The Union Cabinet has approved Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U) 2.0 scheme. The Cabinet also gave its nod to the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) during Financial Year 2024-25 to 2028-29. Briefing media last night, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that three crore new houses will be constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. Mr Vaishnaw said, of them two crore houses will be built in rural areas while one crore will be constructed in urban areas. He said the budgetary provision on the scheme will be of 3 lakh 6 thousand 137 crore rupees.

Under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban 2.0, financial assistance will be provided to one crore urban poor and middle-class families. The assistance will be provided through States, Union Territories and Primary Lending Institutions (PLIs) to construct, purchase or rent a house at an affordable cost in urban areas in five years. Government assistance of 2.30 lakh crore rupees will be provided under the Scheme. The Minister said, under the scheme in urban areas, there is a provision for working women hostel and an interest subsidy of four percent will be given up to 25 lakh rupees for Home loans in Economically Weaker Section (EWS), Low Income Group (LIG) and Middle Income Group (MIG) categories.

The government also approved the Clean Plant Programme (CPP) proposed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. Speaking to reporters, Mr Vaishnaw said that with a substantial investment of over 1,765 crore rupees, this pioneering initiative is set to revolutionize the horticulture sector in India and is expected to set new standards for excellence and sustainability. He said, the CPP will provide access to virus-free, high-quality planting material, leading to increased crop yields and improved income opportunities for farmers.

The Cabinet also approved the modified Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana for providing financial support to Advanced Biofuel Projects using lignocellulosic biomass and other renewable feedstock. The Minister said, the modified scheme has been extended for five more years till 2028-29. He said, an investment of one thousand 969 crore rupees will be made in this project. The Information and Broadcasting Minister said that a detailed discussion took place in the Union Cabinet yesterday with regard to the Supreme Court’s judgement on SC and ST reservations. He said, the Cabinet has a well-considered opinion that the NDA government is committed to the provisions of the Constitution framed by Baba Saheb Ambedkar. Mr Vaishnaw said that in the Constitution, there is no provision for a creamy layer in the reservation of SC and ST and the Cabinet’s decision is that the system of reservation for SC and ST should be as per the Constitution.

The Information and Broadcasting Minister said that a detailed discussion took place in the Union Cabinet yesterday with regard to the Supreme Court’s observation on SC and ST reservations. He said there is no provision for a creamy layer within SC and ST reservations. He said NDA government is committed to follow the provisions of the Constitution framed by Baba Saheb Ambedkar.