New Delhi, December 1
The Union Cabinet today gave its approval for introduction in this session to the controversial Tribal Bill, amendments to the Essential Commodities Act and the Central Sales Tax and Electricity Act.
The Scheduled Tribes (Recognition of Forest Rights) Bill, 2005, aims to grant tribesmen the right to forest land and prevent their eviction. The legislation would also aim at strengthening the conservation regime by recognising permanent stake of forest dwelling tribes, Information and Broadcasting Minister Priyaranjan Dasmunshi told the media after the meeting. The draft legislation had evoked protests from environmentalist.
The Cabinet also approved introduction of the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Bill, 2005. The Bill will remove unnecessary restrictions and controls on various commodities to ensure remunerative return to farmers and promote consumer interest.
It will also improve international competitiveness of Indian manufacturers and service providers, by reducing transaction costs and facilitating smooth internal trade.
The Cabinet approved amendments in the Central Sales Tax Act, 1956, which would streamline and improve the functioning of the Central Sales Tax Appellate Authority.
The meeting chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh also approved amendments in the Electricity Act, 2003, enabling the Centre to also share the responsibility for rural electrification. It will also clarify that the police, at the instance of the appropriate government, or appropriate commission, or authorised persons would be able to investigate cognizable offences under the Act.
The Cabinet approved amendments to the Commissions for the Protection of Child Rights Bill, 2005, which would provide for a statutory mechanism to oversee and review the implementation of the National Policy for Children and recommend remedial action in instances of violation of child rights
An approval was given by the Cabinet to ISRO to design, develop and launch GSAT-6 / INSAT-4E, a multi-media mobile satellite system, at an estimated cost of Rs 269 crore with a foreign exchange component of Rs 102 crore.
The Cabinet also approved the Haj fare and subsidy package.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL) Barh power project at an investment of Rs 3,779.46 crore.
An informal meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) tonight discussed the issue of inclusion of Gorkhaland in the sixth Schedule.
