New Delhi: The government has announced several major initiatives, including the extension of the Ayushman Bharat free health cover to all citizens aged 70 and above, financial support for electric vehicles under a new scheme, and a ₹70,125 crore plan for upgrading and constructing rural roads. Additionally, ₹12,461 crore has been allocated to support the development of hydropower projects with a capacity of 31,350 MW.
Among the key decisions approved by the cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, was the launch of the PM E-Drive Scheme. With a budget of ₹10,900 crore for two years, the scheme aims to boost the adoption of electric vehicles, replacing the previous FAME program. The PM E-Drive Scheme will provide subsidies for 2.48 million electric two-wheelers, 316,000 e-three wheelers, and 14,028 e-buses, as well as support the establishment of 88,500 charging sites. Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwani Vaishnaw emphasized that incentives will continue to prioritize domestic manufacturing.
A big boost to connectivity and rural infrastructure!
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 11, 2024
The Cabinet decision regarding Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana – IV will boost development and create many employment opportunities. https://t.co/7eTwoSBQxq
The new scheme includes ₹3,679 crore in subsidies to promote electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, e-ambulances, e-trucks, and other emerging EVs. An additional ₹4,391 crore will be spent on the procurement of e-buses, ₹500 crore for e-ambulances, and another ₹500 crore for incentivizing e-trucks.
For health coverage, the cabinet approved free health insurance under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) for all senior citizens aged 70 and above, benefiting 60 million people from 45 million families with ₹5 lakh coverage. The scheme offers flexibility for seniors with existing insurance coverage to choose between AB PM-JAY and their current plans.
Furthermore, the cabinet greenlit the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-IV (PMGSY-IV) for FY25 to FY29, focusing on the construction of 62,500 km of rural roads, connecting 25,000 unconnected habitations, and upgrading bridges, with a central contribution of ₹49,087.50 crore out of the total ₹70,125 crore.