Cabinet panel to oversee DTS corporatisation

Among other things, the GoM will examine and study issues relating to pay scales and pension benefits of the employees of the department.

Briefing newspersons after the cabinet meeting on Saturday, an official spokesperson said the Cabinet also gave ex-post facto approval to the joint document on development of trade, economic, industrial, financial, scientific and technological cooperation between India and Russian Federation. The document was signed during the visit of Russian Prime Minister to India and becomes effective from the date of signing December 21, 1998.

The Cabinet also approved the proposal to sign air services agreement between India and Lithuania which will enable establishment of air link between the two countries.

The Cabinet also approved promulgation of the Lakshadweep Marine Fishing Regulation by the President under Article 240 of the Constitution. The move provides for regulation of fishing by fishing vessels from neighbouring states and from neighbouring countries in the lagoons and sea around the Union Territory of Lakshadweep.

Another approval was for the proposal for acceding to the 1988 protocol to amend International Convention on Load Lines 1966. It will harmonise the system of surveys and certification of Indian ships resulting in avoidance of multiple surveys and certification of registered ships and facilitate operation of India’s commercial fleet engaged in international trade.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), which also met on Saturday, apart from revising fertiliser prices, also approved the ongoing Centrally-sponsored scheme on "Development of Freshwater Aquaculture" for its implementation during Ninth Plan with a total outlay of Rs 300 crore to be shared on 75:25 basis between Union and state governments.

The committee also approved the proposal for creation of 400/220 kv Bhiwadi sub-station along with Ballabgarh-Jaipur 400 kv S/C line at an estimated cost of Rs 86.75 crore by Powergrid Corporation.

CCEA also approved the proposal for upgradation of computer facilities in the Indian Institutes of Technology at Bombay, Delhi, Kanpur, Kharagpur and Madras. The approval is for incurring an expenditure of Rs 89.85 crore under the Plan for the purpose. Ex post facto approval was also accorded for already released Rs 57.90 crore during the three preceding financial years.

CCEA also approved enhancement of programme funds for regular activities of the National Service Scheme and special camps and a higher scale of assistance for hilly areas.

The revised fund per volunteer per annum for regular activities is Rs 160 as against Rs 120 at present and for special camping Rs 300 against Rs 200.

In hill areas, the fund has been increased to Rs 200 and Rs 400 for regular and special camping respectively as compared to Rs 120 and Rs 200 at present.