Centre announces 10K e-buses, subsidized loans for craftsmen, here’s key points

Union minister Anurag Thakur stated at a press conference following the Union cabinet meeting that the cabinet has approved the PM e-bus seva to boost green mobility. He stated that the plan has been given 57,613 cores.

Here’s the key points of briefing:

• Thakur stated on the PM e-bus Seva initiative that 100 cities will be picked through a challenge mechanism out of 169 cities.
• Explaining the new scheme further, he stated, “Out of 57,613 crores, the Central government will provide 20,000 crores.” The initiative would apply to cities having populations of three lakh or more. This proposal will implement municipal bus operations with 10,000 e-buses using a Public Private Partnership (PPP) approach. This program will support bus operations for the next ten years.”
• Union railways, communications, electronics, and information technology minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said during the brief that the cabinet also approved the Vishwakarma Yojana scheme.
• The PM Vishwakarma initiative will encourage ancient skills such as pottery, blacksmithing, masonry, tailoring, and boat building that have been passed down through generations.
• The Vishwakarma Yojana is anticipated to assist 30 lakh families of artisans. According to Vaishnaw, the 13,000 crore scheme will allow craftsmen to receive subsidized loans of up to 2 lakh.
• “There are two types of skill program under the scheme and a stipend of ₹500 will be given to those who are taking benefit of the scheme and to buy modern tools, Rs. 15,000 in mode of support will be given. And loans up to Rs. 1,00,000 to the beneficiaries of the Vishwakarma scheme,” said Vaishnaw.