Minor decisions taken by the CCEA

On the cards: new broad gauge line for better connectivity between New Delhi and Howrah, extra PDS grains for 3 states

Below is a list of minor decisions that were taken by the CCEA

New Rail Line

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs today gave its approval for a new 51-km broad gauge line from Mau to Tarighat, aiming to provide an alternative and convenient route between New Delhi and Howrah. The project will be undertaken at an estimated cost of Rs 1,765.92 crore, with five per cent escalation per year. The new line would cross the Ganga at the downstream of an existing road bridge on NH-97. The line is located almost parallel to the bridge and joins the existing broad gauge line from Tarighat to Dildar Nagar. Construction of this line will provide a link to Allahabad-Patna double-line electrified section. It will also decongest the Allahabad-Mugalsarai-Patna route, particularly around Mugalsarai yard and will be completed in the next six years.

Extra Grains

The CCEA has approved over 62,000 tonnes of extra PDS grain for the three states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Nagaland. These states are yet to implement the National Food Security Act (NFSA).

The foodgrains would be supplied to below-poverty-line and above-poverty-line families through ration shops in the three states. The allocation of extra foodgrains to the three states is from April to June of this year or till implementation of NFSA by the respective State, whichever is earlier.

Poor families will get the ration at BPL rate while APL families at two-thirds of the minimum support price (MSP) of wheat and rice, or MSP-derived price. Last year, the additional allocation was made to non-NFSA states at BPL and APL rates. However, the government decided to de-incentivise so that these three states are forced to implement the food law at the earliest.

Qatar MoU

The government gave its nod for inking a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Qatar for strengthening cooperation in the field of tourism.The main objectives of the MoU include creating favourable conditions for long-term co-operation in the field of tourism and exchange of expertise and information related to the sector.

MoU-Wildlife

The government has approved inking of a pact between US and India to enhance cooperation in wildlife conservation and combating trafficking.