In a move that could transform the country's electoral process, the Union Cabinet has given its approval to the 'One Nation, One Election' legislation, which aims to hold simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. The bill, which is expected to be introduced in the ongoing winter session of Parliament, has been met with pushback from the Opposition, with many parties expressing concerns about its potential impact on regional parties. However, the government remains determined to move forward with its core ideological agenda, and will also launch a public campaign to garner support for the legislation. The success of this initiative will ultimately depend on the government's ability to address concerns and build consensus among all political stakeholders.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be heading the Union Cabinet meeting to discuss the implementation of the One Nation One Election plan, the approval of PAN 2.0, and three railway projects to improve connectivity and efficiency. The heavy rains in Tamil Nadu and the ongoing opposition in the Assembly may also be on the agenda for discussion during the meeting.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the PAN 2.0 project, worth Rs 1,435 crore, to enhance the taxpayer experience. The new version aims to streamline businesses and citizen-centric operations by using technology-driven transformation and a QR code feature. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw explains that there will be no need for individuals to modify their current PAN and the new card will be introduced as an upgrade. With over 78 crore PAN cards issued to date, this development is expected to benefit the majority of individuals and small businesses.
The Union Cabinet has approved several key projects covering various sectors like agriculture, energy, railway, and infrastructure among others. Details of the approved projects were shared with the media by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw after the Cabinet meeting. These decisions will have a significant impact on the country's development and progress in the coming years.
In a big decision, the Union Cabinet has approved the launch of National Mission on Natural Farming with a total outlay of Rs 2481 crore. The mission, which aims to promote natural farming in a mission mode across the country, will reduce input costs for farmers and promote biodiversity. This decision reflects the government's commitment to the welfare of farmers and sustainable agricultural practices.
The central government has given farmers a reason to celebrate this Diwali by announcing a 6.5% increase in the minimum support price for wheat, along with increases for other important crops such as mustard and chana. This decision was made after considering factors such as inflation, wheat stocks, and global prices. Additionally, central government employees and pensioners can also look forward to a festive bonus, with the Union Cabinet approving an increase in dearness allowance and relief.
The Maharashtra Cabinet has passed a proposal, requesting the Union government to award India's highest civilian honor, Bharat Ratna, to late industrialist Ratan Tata. The Cabinet ministers paid tribute to Tata, highlighting his role as a social worker, visionary, and patriotic leader. His contributions to both the industrial sector and social development have been recognized, with him receiving the Padma Vibhushan in 2008.
In a significant move towards preserving and promoting Indian languages, the Union Cabinet has approved the classical language status for five more languages - Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the decision and highlighted the government's efforts to conserve and promote the classical languages. This decision has been welcomed by many, including Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who expressed gratitude to the Centre for including Assamese in the list. This move is aimed at honoring the historical significance of these languages and nurturing a deeper understanding among the younger generations.
Prime Minister Modi has congratulated the newly-designated classical languages, including Marathi, on social media platform X. The recent approval for classical status to Marathi, Bengali, Assamese, Pali, and Prakrit comes just ahead of the scheduled Assembly elections in Maharashtra, making it a significant political move. While the recognition honors the timeless influence of these languages on India's culture and history, PM Modi hopes that it will inspire more people to learn and preserve them.
In a move to preserve and celebrate India's diverse cultural heritage, the Union Cabinet has approved the status of classical language to five Indian languages: Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali. This brings the total number of recognized classical languages to 11, with the government acknowledging their significance in preserving the country's rich history and tradition. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee both took to social media to express their delight at this decision, emphasizing the importance of promoting regional languages in India.