In a major boost to rural connectivity Cabinet approves launch of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-lll; 1,25,000 Km of Roads to be networked at estimated cost Rs 80,250 Cr; Code on Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Bill gets green signal; 13 Central Labour Laws brought in the ambit of New Code; Rules framed for women working in night shifts.

The Union cabinet under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and took key decisions related to cracking down on offences against children, streamlining labour laws and promoting workers’ interest, boosting rural connectivity, banning chit funds among others.

BOOST FOR RURAL ROAD CONNECTIVITY

— The cabinet committee on economic affairs took the decision to launch Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-lll or PMGSY-III

— The scheme involves consolidation of 1.25 lakh Kms of rural roads

— This will connect rural habitations to Gramin Agricultural Markets (GrAMs), Higher Secondary Schools and Hospitals

— The work will be done at an estimated cost of 80,250 crore rupees

Apart from this..

PROTECTION OF CHILDREN FROM SEXUAL OFFENDERS ENHANCED

— the union cabinet also cleared major changes in the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act

— Punishment for sexual offences against children will now include the death penalty

— Fines & prison sentences can be imposed against child pornographers

LANDMARK CODE FOR WORKERS CLEARED

— The cabinet also approved the Code on Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Bill, 2019

— The bill seeks to merge 13 central labour laws into a single code which would apply on all establishments employing 10 or more workers

— It would enhance coverage of safety, health and working condition provisions manifold for workers

FAST-TRACKING RIVER WATER DISPUTE RESOLUTION

— In another landmark decision..the cabinet approved the Inter-State River Water disputes
(Amendment) Bill, 2019

— It will further streamline the adjudication of inter-State river water disputes

— It will constitute a single tribunal with different benches instead of 9 existing tribunals

— Strict timelines will also be set for adjudication resulting in quick resolution of disputes

OTHER MAJOR CABINET DECISIONS

— Clearing the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2019 for introduction in the ongoing session of Parliament

— It provides a mechanism for the social, economic and educational empowerment of transgenders

— The Banning of Unregulated Deposit Schemes Bill was also cleared to tackle ponzi schemes and chit funds

— It will be introduced during the ongoing session and will replace a similar ordinance

— and it also approved grant of Organised Group ‘A’ status to Indian Railway Protection Force