On Tuesday, the Union Cabinet approved several important schemes focused on employment
and infrastructure. One of the major decisions includes an employment incentive scheme, which will be implemented in two phases.
In the first phase, individuals getting a job for the first time will receive a maximum of ₹15,000 in two parts — once in the sixth month and again in the 12th month after getting the job.
In the second phase, a benefit of ₹3,000 per month will be given. This entire scheme aims to promote job creation in the manufacturing sector.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that the government will spend ₹1.07 lakh crore on this scheme.
The main goals are to generate employment, increase job opportunities, and ensure social security across various sectors, with special focus on manufacturing.
Vaishnaw said that the decision was taken in a Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The scheme is expected to help create over 3.5 crore jobs in the next two years and especially support first-time employees.
Employers will receive monthly incentives of up to ₹3,000 for hiring new employees for a period of two years.
These incentives apply to employees earning up to ₹1 lakh. For the manufacturing sector, the incentive may be extended into the third and fourth years as well.
Khelo India Policy Gets Approval
Out of four key schemes approved, one is the comprehensive ‘Khelo India Policy’. The first National Sports Policy was introduced in 1984, followed by a new version in 2001.
Now, the government will implement the Khelo India Policy 2025 to promote youth involvement in sports.
Ashwini Vaishnaw said the aim is to place India among the top 5 sporting nations in the world.
Research and Innovation Scheme Launched
The Cabinet also approved the Research, Development, and Innovation Scheme, with a total outlay of ₹1 lakh crore.
This scheme will encourage young people to take part in research and innovation activities.
New Highway Project in Tamil Nadu
Another major decision was to construct a four-lane road from Paramakudi to Ramanathapuram (46.7 km) in Tamil Nadu, costing ₹1,853 crore.
Currently, travel between Madurai, Paramakudi, Ramanathapuram, Mandapam, Rameswaram,
and Dhanushkodi relies on the existing two-lane National Highway 87 (NH-87) and nearby state highways.
As per an official statement, the new project will upgrade the 46.7 km stretch of NH-87 into a four-lane road.
This move is expected to ease traffic, improve road safety, boost tourism in Rameswaram and Dhanushkodi, and create new business and industrial opportunities.
