Cabinet approves investments worth Rs 692 crore

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved investments worth Rs 691.83 crore for the expansion of the transmission system associated with Neyveli Lignite Corporation-II.

It also approved a capital investment of Rs 302.96 crore and completion cost of Rs 354.47 crore for the Kulda Opencast Project of Mahanadi Coalfields limited in Orissa.

"The expansion of Neyveli Lignite's transmission system would facilitate transfer of power from NLC-II expansion (2 x 250 MW) to various beneficiaries of the southern region. The project would be completed within 35 months from the date of commencement," Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee told reporters after the CCEA meeting.

The CCEA also extended budgetary support of $675,000 (Rs 3.25 crore) along with interest due on the date of payment to Burn Standard Company Ltd (BSCL) for settling the D-15 contract liability towards McDermot International Inc.

The Union Cabinet also ratified the International Labour Organisation convention concerning Seafarer's Identity Documents.

"The ratification assumes importance as the country is a major supplier of manpower for the Indian shipping industry," Mukherjee said

It would ensure the Indian seafarers free access to employment opportunities, adequate safety and protection from any sort of exploitation," Mukherjee said.

Indian laws and practices have already been brought into conformity with the convention.

The Cabinet cleared the agreement signed with Bahrain on Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) in criminal matters. This will improve the effectiveness of both the countries in investigation, prosecution, and dealing with suppression of crimes, including terrorism.

India has already signed MLA agreements with 18 countries including USA, UK and Canada.

Russia, France, UAE, Turkey, Kirghyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, Tajakistan, Mongolia, South Africa, Thailand, Kuwait, South Korea and Switzerland.

The Union Cabinet also approved the tenure of the Nanavati Commission probing the 1984 Sikh riots in Delhi. The commission has been given a month's extension till January 31, 2005.