The Modi government today approved employment -related incentive scheme (ELI) with a outlay of Rs 1.07 lakh crore. Its purpose is to create 3.5 crore jobs in the next two years through social security schemes run by EPFO. Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnav said that this decision was taken in the meeting of the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Its purpose is to promote employment generation, increase in employment capacity and social security in all fields. It will pay special attention to the manufacturing sector. The objective of this scheme is to encourage the creation of more than 3.5 crore jobs in the country in two years. Apart from this, this scheme will also encourage employees working for the first time.
What is ELI scheme
Under this scheme, the employees hired for the first time will get one month’s salary (up to Rs 15,000). At the same time, employers will be encouraged for a period of two years for additional employment generation. Also, the profit for the manufacturing sector will be extended for two years. Let us remind you that the ELI scheme was announced in the Union Budget 2024-25 as part of the package of five schemes to facilitate employment, skills and other opportunities for the youth. Its total budget outlay was two lakh crore rupees.
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The ELI scheme aims to encourage the creation of more than 3.5 crore jobs in the country over a period of two years. Of these, 1.92 crore beneficiaries will be joining the workforce for the first time. The benefit of this scheme will be applicable to the jobs created between August 1, 2025 to 31 July 2027. The plan has two parts, Part ‘A’ focuses on employees working for the first time and Part ‘B’ focuses on employers. Targeting the employees registered for the first time with EPFO, one month’s salary will be paid up to Rs 15,000 in two installments under this part ‘A’. Employees with salary up to one lakh rupees will be eligible for it. The first installment will be given after six months of service and the second installment will be given after completion of 12 months of service and financial literacy program by the employee.
The government statement said, “A part of the incentive amount will be kept in the savings or deposit account for a certain period of incentive to promote the saving habit and the employees will be able to withdraw it later. Part ‘A’ will benefit about 1.92 crore employees working for the first time. ”Also the part of the scheme ‘B’ is associated with additional employment generation in all areas in which special attention will be paid to the manufacturing sector. Employers will get encouragement regarding employees with salary up to Rs 1 lakh. At the same time, the government will encourage employers up to Rs 3,000 per month for two years for providing continuous employment to each additional employee for at least six months. Employers for manufacturing can also be expanded to employers in the third and fourth year. In addition, all payments to employees working for the first time under Part ‘A’ of the scheme will be made through DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) mode through ‘Aadhaar Bridge Payment System’ (ABPS). Under Part ‘B’, payers will be paid directly in accounts connected to their PAN.
India’s new sports policy
Along with this, the Union Cabinet approves the Khelo Bharat Policy to bring India to the top five in the World Games, aimed at formulating a ‘world-class system’ in terms of coaching and support of players, along with a strong administrative structure to make the country a strong contender for 2036 Olympics. It was earlier called the National Sports Policy and was first introduced in 1984. Khelo Bharat Policy 2025 will now replace the 2001 policy. It is a ‘guide document’ to prepare plans for the betterment of the country’s sports ecosystem.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnav told reporters about the policy and other decisions of the cabinet, “We have used the last 10 years of experience and will work towards improving the new policy sports.” Its main objective is to include India among the top five sports nations by 2047. This is our main objective. ”Let us tell you that India has expressed the desire to host the 2036 Olympic Games, for which there has been a big emphasis on preparing infrastructure and bringing international level events to the country.
In a statement issued by the government, the new policy has been described as the result of ‘comprehensive consultation’ with the Union Ministries, NITI Aayog, State Governments, National Sports Association (NSF), players, experts and stakeholders of the matter. Under this, sports will be linked to tourism and economic development. Giving information about the decision of the cabinet, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnav said, “A large number of people travel to watch IPL, football matches. This promotes tourism and economic development. “Let us tell you that this document tries to connect with the National Education Policy, in which sports have been made an integral part of the school course. It states that its aim is to equip teachers and physical education teachers with special training to promote sports education.
Its listed goals include establishing a strong regulatory framework for sports administration and developing new financing mechanisms including PPP (participation of government and private sector) and private sector through CSR. Sports Minister Mansukh Mandavia described it as a transformational step towards giving a new shape to India’s sports ecosystem. He wrote on X, “This historical policy is like a strategic framework to promote sports culture at the grassroots, support the development of players and establish India as a strong force in the global sports.”
Let us tell you that starting the league is also the declared objective of the new policy. The document also attempts to promote more inclusion and increase participation in sports between women, ‘LGBTQ Plus’ community, economically weaker sections and low -representing groups such as tribal communities. The government policy states, “The manufacture and maintenance of such facilities can reduce the obstacles to a great extent and promote active participation between them.”
RDI scheme
In addition, the Union Cabinet has approved the research, development and innovation (RDI) scheme with a fund of Rs 1 lakh crore to promote private sector investment in research. The scheme, approved in the cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is to encourage the private sector to promote research, development and innovation in emerging areas and other sectors relevant to economic security, strategic objectives and self -reliance. Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnav told reporters that the objective of the scheme is to provide long -term funding for long -term or long -term interest rates to promote private sector investment in research, development and innovation.
Big gift to Tamil Nadu
In addition, the Union Cabinet has approved the construction of the four-lane Parakudi-Ramanathapuram section of the National Highway (NH)-87 in Tamil Nadu at a cost of Rs 1,853 crore. Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnav said that the project will be developed on a capital cost of Rs 1,853 crore on a Hybrid Annity (HAM) basis. Let us tell you that at this time the contact between Madurai, Parmakudi, Ramanathapuram, Mandapam, Rameswaram and Dhanushkodi depends on the existing two-lane National Highway 87 (NH-87) and the respective state highways. An official statement said that the project would convert about 46.7 km of NH-87 in four-lane from Parakudi to Ramanathapuram. This will reduce congestion on the road and improve security. Also, this will promote tourism in Rameswaram and Dhanushkodi and will open new avenues of trade and industrial development.