Title: Union Cabinet Approves Prime Minister’s Electric Bus Service Scheme for 10,000 Electric Buses
Date: August 17, 2022
The Union Cabinet has given its approval to the Prime Minister’s Electric Bus Service Scheme, which aims to operate 10,000 electric buses across India. The scheme, estimated to cost Rs. 57,613 crore, is an initiative by the central government to reduce environmental pollution.
Under this public-private partnership scheme, 10,000 electric buses will be introduced in 169 cities across the country. The central government will contribute Rs. 20,000 crore towards the project. The implementation of the scheme will prioritize cities with a population above 3 lakh, including Union Territories, North Eastern Region, and Hilly States. The areas that lack adequate bus services will receive special attention.
The introduction of electric buses will not only contribute to reducing environmental pollution but will also generate direct employment. It is estimated that the project will create 45,000 to 55,000 direct jobs. The Union Cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, also approved the implementation of 7 multi-modal long-distance routes, allocating Rs. 32,500 crore for Indian Railways.
The scheme is expected to benefit 35 districts in nine states, namely Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Odisha, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. Infrastructure development works will be undertaken to ease traffic and reduce congestion in these areas.
Another significant decision taken by the Union Cabinet was the allocation of Rs. 14,903 crore for the expansion of the Eighth India Project. This project aims to provide reskilling training to 5.25 lakh IT professionals and training to 2.65 lakh people in the IT sector.
Additionally, the Prime Minister’s Vishwakama Kausal Samman Scheme was allocated Rs. 13,000 crore. The scheme, set to be launched on Vishwakama Jayanti in September, aims to benefit millions of artisans and their families engaged in 18 professions, such as goldsmiths, blacksmiths, carpenters, sculptors, and weavers. The beneficiaries will receive certificates, identity cards, and loans for business development.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his enthusiasm for the Prime Minister’s Vishwakama program, describing it as an opportunity to celebrate traditional artisans. Through this scheme, the government aims to preserve and protect the unique skills of artisans, empowering them and connecting them with modern value chains.
The Union Cabinet’s decisions reflect the government’s commitment to promoting sustainable development, supporting employment, and honoring the skills of the country’s talented artisans.