Page 51 - NIS English 1-15 October, 2023

Union Cabinet Decisions

BESS scheme approved, additional funds

for industrial development scheme

The Central Government is dedicated to energising the nation for a prosperous future. It has
been working in this direction continuously. In this regard, the Union Cabinet has approved the
Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), which is a significant step towards promoting clean
and green energy solutions. On the other hand, the Cabinet has approved additional funds for
Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand under the Central Sector Industrial Development Scheme
2017. Additional funds will aid in credit expansion and industrial unit expansion.

DECISION: The viability gap- described Himachal Pradesh as
funding scheme for the installation The Union Cabinet, in his second home. His words were
of battery energy storage systems its meeting held on reflected once again with the
(BESS) was approved. It will cost September 13, passed a Cabinet's approval of additional
around Rs. 3,760 crore. funds in the Central Sector Industrial
IMPACT: Under the approved plan, resolution appreciating Development Scheme 2017 for
4,000 MWh of BESS projects will be the success of the G20 Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
developed by 2030–31. This step Summit held in New n An additional financial outlay of Rs.
is one of the environment friendly Delhi on September 1164.53 crore was approved. This
measures taken by the government. decision will give impetus to industrial
The move is expected to reduce the 9–10, 2023. development and employment
cost of battery storage systems opportunities in both the hill states.
and increase their practicality. Additional funds were required to meet the committed
n Minimum of 85% of the capacity of the BESS liabilities under the scheme until 2028–29.
project will be made available to the distribution n It is estimated that 774 registered units will
companies (discoms) to ensure the benefits of generate direct employment opportunities for
the scheme reach consumers. about 48,607 people.
n This will not only enhance the integration of
renewable energy into the electricity grid but DECISION: Cabinet approves e-Courts Mission
also reduce losses from the optimal use of the Mode Project Phase-III. A budgetary provision of
transmission network. This will reduce the need Rs 7,210 crore has been made for this.
for costly infrastructure upgrades. IMPACT: It will be easier for judges and registries
to make smart data-based decisions. Integrated
DECISION: Additional funds sanctioned for tech platform for paperless interface between
Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand under the courts, litigants, and other stakeholders. Justice
Central Industrial Development Scheme 2017 will now be more accessible, affordable, reliable,
IMPACT: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has often and transparent. n

New India Samachar October 1-15, 2023 49