In a recent decision, the Union Cabinet has allocated ₹1,650 crore for the distribution of 75 lakh free cooking gas connections as part of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY). Additionally, the Cabinet has approved the third phase of the eCourts project with a financial allocation of ₹7,210 crore. Here are the key details of these developments:
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY):
- The Union Cabinet has extended the PMUY for the release of 75 lakh LPG connections over three years, from the financial year 2023-24 to 2025-26.
- An additional outlay of ₹1,650 crore has been approved for this extension.
- The total financial implication per connection for the 14.2 kg single bottle connection and 5 kg double bottle connection will be ₹2,200, while the cost for a 5 kg single bottle connection will be ₹1,300 per connection.
- Ujjwala beneficiaries will also receive the first refill and stove free of cost under Ujjwala 2.0.
PMUY consumers will continue to receive a targeted subsidy of ₹200 per 14.2 kg LPG cylinder for up to 12 refills per year. - The extension of the Ujjwala Yojana aims to provide clean cooking fuel access to poor households, addressing health problems associated with traditional cooking fuels like firewood and cow dung, and enhancing the quality of life, especially for women.
eCourts Project – Phase-III:
- The eCourts Mission Mode Project, under the National eGovernance Plan, aims to improve access to justice using technology.
- Phase-II of the eCourts Project concluded this year, and Phase-III will be operational for four years starting in 2023.
- Phase-III focuses on digitization of the entire court records, including legacy records, and universalization of e-filing and e-payments through eSewa Kendras at all court complexes.
- It aims to create a unified technology platform for the judiciary, facilitating seamless and paperless interactions between the courts, litigants, and stakeholders.
- The project intends to enable data-based decision making for judges and registries in scheduling and prioritizing cases.
- The eCourts Project Phase-III will play a crucial role in making the Indian judicial system more accessible, affordable, reliable, predictable, and transparent for all stakeholders. It signifies a significant step towards digital, online, and paperless courts, embracing technology to enhance the justice delivery system.
These decisions reflect the government’s commitment to improving access to clean energy and justice through digital initiatives and budgetary support, thereby positively impacting the lives of citizens across the country.
