“India’s Bold Initiatives: 10K E-Buses Unveiled for Green Mobility, Craftsmen Empowered with Subsidised Loans”
The Indian government’s recent cabinet briefing revealed significant initiatives, including the introduction of 10,000 electric buses in 100 cities and a scheme to support traditional craftsmen with subsidised loans.
In a momentous announcement during a cabinet briefing, the Indian government unveiled a range of initiatives aimed at boosting green mobility, empowering traditional craftsmen, and advancing digital inclusion. The multi-faceted developments were presented by Union ministers Anurag Thakur and Ashwini Vaishnaw, showcasing a renewed commitment to sustainable growth and cultural preservation.
1. Electric Mobility for a Greener Future As a part of the PM e-bus Seva initiative, the Centre revealed plans to introduce 10,000 electric buses across 100 cities. Notably, 100 cities will be chosen through a competitive selection process. Backed by an allocation of ₹57,613 crores, this scheme aims to revolutionize urban transportation and encourage environmentally friendly commuting options.
2. Supporting Crafts and Culture The Vishwakarma Yojana scheme, presented by Ashwini Vaishnaw, seeks to support traditional skills that have been handed down through generations. Pottery, blacksmithing, construction, tailoring, and boat-building are among the skills that will be promoted. With an allocation of ₹13,000 crores, the scheme will benefit around 30 lakh craftsman families. These craftsmen will be eligible for subsidised loans of up to ₹2 lakh, facilitating their skill enhancement and economic empowerment.
3. Digital India’s Ongoing Evolution The cabinet also greenlit an extension of the Digital India program, with a substantial budget of ₹14,903 crores. Notably, the program will introduce ‘Bhashini,’ a national digital public platform aimed at universal language translation. This step emphasizes digital accessibility and inclusivity across India’s diverse linguistic landscape.
4. Supercomputing and Railway Development The government’s commitment to technological advancement was further underscored by the decision to add nine new supercomputers to the existing 18 deployed under the National Supercomputing Mission (NSM). Additionally, the cabinet approved seven multi-tracking projects for Indian Railways, investing ₹32,500 crores to enhance rail infrastructure and connectivity.
5. DigiLocker Expansion for MSMEs Building on the success of DigiLocker, the government’s digital document storage platform, Ashwini Vaishnaw announced an extension of DigiLocker services to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). With over 40 crore subscribers, DigiLocker’s expansion to this vital sector will streamline document management and bolster the ease of doing business.
These far-reaching announcements reflect the Indian government’s commitment to diverse areas of development, ranging from sustainable transportation to preserving traditional craftsmanship and embracing digital innovation. The initiatives are poised to drive India’s progress in the coming years, fostering a more inclusive, green, and technologically advanced nation.
Sources By Agencies
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