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.
Various Adivasi-Dalit organisations in Kerala have called for a state-wide hartal on August 21 to protest against the recent Supreme Court verdict on sub-categorisation of reservations for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. The protestors allege that the verdict aims to divide the SC/ST list on a caste basis and introduce a 'creamy layer'. Despite the BJP government's assurance, the central government has yet to acknowledge that the creamy layer division is the basis for categorising the list, as stated by the protestors. The Union Cabinet has also asserted that there is no provision for a creamy layer in the reservation for SCs and STs in the Constitution given by B R Ambedkar.
The Union Cabinet has given a major boost to 23 lakh central government employees by approving a guaranteed pension of 50% of their salary for those who joined the service after January 1, 2004. This decision, under the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), addresses the longstanding demand of government employees and provides them with a secure post-retirement income. Eligible employees with a minimum qualifying service of 10 years will receive a proportionally adjusted pension of 50% of their average basic pay earned during the last 12 months before retirement.
The Union Cabinet has approved the introduction of the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) in India, set to take effect from April 1, 2025. This new scheme aims to address the growing dissatisfaction among government employees by providing assured pensions, a minimum pension for those with at least 10 years of service, and other benefits such as inflation indexation and a lump-sum payment at retirement. The UPS, which is expected to incur an initial expenditure of ₹800 crore, is seen as a strategic move by the central government to win support ahead of upcoming assembly elections. It is considered more fiscally prudent compared to the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) due to its contributory nature.
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the BioE3 Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment Policy which aims to drive innovation and accelerate India's transition to a Net Zero carbon economy. This policy will also support the government's initiatives towards a sustainable and circular bioeconomy. With a focus on strategic sectors such as high value bio-based chemicals, precision biotherapeutics and climate resilient agriculture, the BioE3 Policy aims to foster a more resilient biomanufacturing ecosystem and promote job creation.
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a new "unified pension scheme" for over 23 lakh Central government employees. This scheme guarantees 50% of salary as pension and aims to provide dignity and financial security for government employees. With the option to choose between the existing National Pension System (NPS) or the new pension scheme, the UPS will be implemented from April 1, 2025. This move comes amid protests from non-BJP ruled states over the NPS and will provide a minimum pension of Rs 10,000 per month after 10 years of service.
The Indian Union Cabinet has approved an assured 50 per cent pension for government employees who joined service under the National Pension System (NPS). The decision was made in order to bridge the gap between the earlier defined benefit pension scheme and the contribution-based NPS. The newly announced Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) will provide government employees with 50 per cent of their average basic pay as pension for at least 25 years of service, and proportionately for a shorter period. This move is expected to benefit over 23 lakh government employees and will go into effect from the next financial year.
In a move that will affect millions, the Union Cabinet has given the go-ahead for the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) for government employees. This scheme will offer a guaranteed minimum pension and family pension for those who have completed at least 25 years of service. The option to choose between the new UPS and the existing New Pension Scheme (NPS) has been extended to both Central and state government employees. This decision will have a significant impact on the retirement benefits of these employees.