Cabinet approves production-linked incentive scheme for telecom sector

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved a production-linked incentive scheme for the telecom sector and amendments in the Juvenile Justice Care and Protection of Children Act, 2015.. Briefing reporters after the cabinet meeting, Electronic and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said, the production-linked incentive worth Rs 12,195 Crore has been cleared for the telecom sector. He said, this will create 40 thousand direct and indirect employment.The scheme intends to promote manufacture of Telecom and Networking Products in India and proposes a financial incentive to boost domestic manufacturing and attract investments in the target segments of telecom and networking products in order to encourage Make in India. The scheme will also encourage exports of telecom and networking products 'Made in India'.

Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani said, the amendments allow District Magistrates along with Assistant District Magistrates to monitor the functions of the agencies implementing JJ Act in every district. The amendments include authorizing District Magistrate including Additional District Magistrate to issue adoption orders under Section 61 of the JJ Act, in order to ensure speedy disposal of cases and enhance  accountability. The District Magistrates have been further empowered under the Act, to ensure its smooth implementation, as well as garner synergized efforts in favour of children in distress conditions. Defining eligibility parameters for appointment of CWC members, and categorizing previously undefined offences as ‘serious offence’ are some of the other aspects of the proposal.The Union Cabinet also cleared the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement or free trade pact with Mauritius.