Govt clears plan for 3 auto research centres

The union cabinet today approved a Rs 1,700-crore project to set up three automobile research and testing facilities.

The facilities would come up at Manesar in Haryana, Pune in Maharashtra and Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu, officials said today.

The cabinet meeting also approved a proposal to double the investment limit of profit-making public sector units for which they do not need to seek prior approval of the government.

It also allowed cash-rich PSUs to enter into joint ventures - up to 30% of their net worth - without seeking government approval.

The cabinet also decided to extend the Jute Packaging Order, which mandates that 100% of foodgrains and 90% of sugar be packed in jute bags.