New Delhi, December 28
The Union Cabinet today gave its approval to amend the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, to increase medical bonus .An amendment to the Act would be introduced in the next session of Parliament. The existing cealing of Rs 250 would be increased to Rs 1000, so that it could be a source of financial support, an official statement said.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs gave its approval for providing budgetary support of Rs125 crore (subject to actuals) towards outstanding statutory dues, salary/wages for the period upto December 31, 2006, in respect of defaulting CPSEs under the Department of Heavy Industry. This would mitigate the hardships of the employees thereby motivating them for better output, and prepare them to achieve the goal of revival for the company.

The Cabinet gave its approval for implementation of the Self Employment Scheme for Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers as a Central Sector Scheme. This decision will benefit 3,42,468 manual scavengers and their dependents from the year 2006-07 to 2008-09.

The CCEA approved the setting up of the Special Purpose Tea Fund under the Tea Board for funding replantation and rejuvenation activities aimed at improving the age profile of tea plantations. The scheme is expected to result in increasing the yield, lowering the cost of production and in improvement in quality of teas leading to higher price realization. This would in turn help to boost global competitiveness of Indian teas.

The Cabinet gave its approval for signing of the United Nations Convention on Jurisdictional Immunities of States and their Property. Adoption of domestic Legislation whereby the courts would decide any claims for immunity, would do away with the need to approach the Central Government for permission in each case. This would also avoid the government becoming party to litigation proceedings when permission to sue is refused or is delayed.

The CCEA gave its approval for setting up of Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Rural Industrialisation (MGIRI), Wardha, as an autonomous body registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.