Yes, the Government is providing subsidies to promote e-vehicles to enhances sales and reduce pollution. These subsidies are primarily offered to buyers of e-vehicles to make EVs more affordable. The following schemes are being implemented by Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) to provide subsidies to promote e-vehicles :-
PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) Scheme: This scheme with an outlay of Rs.10,900 crore has been notified on 29.09.2024. It is a two-year scheme ending on 31/03/2026. The subsidy is being provided to EVs including e-2Ws under the PM E-DRIVE Scheme. The details of subsidy are provided at Annexure.
Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Automobile and Auto Component Industry in India (PLI-Auto): The Government approved this scheme on 15.09.2021 for Automobile and Auto Component Industry for enhancing India’s manufacturingcapabilities for Advanced Automotive Technology (AAT) products. The budgetary outlay of the scheme is Rs.25,938 crore. The scheme provides financial incentives to boost domestic manufacturing of EVs, including cars.
PLI Scheme for National Programme on Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery Storage: The Government on 12.05.2021 approved PLI Scheme for National Programme on Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery Storage for manufacturing of ACCin the country with a budgetary outlay of Rs.18,100 crore. The scheme is important, as battery is an integral component for EVs including cars and scooters.
Besides this, many of the State Governments are providing subsidy for purchase of EVs.
As per information received from Ministry of Power (MoP), record of EV charging stations installed in the offices is not maintained by the MoP.
Additionally, the Ministry of Power issued the Guidelines for Installation and Operation of Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure-2024 in September 2024. These guidelines include the following suggestions to facilitate the setup of charging stations in office complexes:
Building/office owners can request a separate metered connection from the distribution licensee or use their existing electricity connections to charge employees’ EVs at the workplace.
Building/office owners can apply to their electricity distribution licensee for a higher power load to accommodate EV charging stations.
Details of subsidy being offered to e-2W buyers under the PM E-DRIVE scheme
S. No
Segment of Vehicle
Incentive per kWh
Cap
Period
1
e-2W
Rs.5,000/-
15% of ex-factory price
FY 2024-25
2
e-2W
Rs.2,500/-
FY 2025-26
The upper cap in the subsidy is restricted to EVs with an ex-factory price below a certain threshold defined in the PM E-DRIVE scheme.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Steel and Heavy Industries, Shri Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
10.27 lakh Electric Vehicles (EVs) have been sold under the PM E-DRIVE scheme as on 31/03/2025 as per details at Annexure.
A total of 5,05,645 e-Vouchers have been generated and availed by EV customers under the PM E-DRIVE scheme, as on 31/03/2025.
It is estimated that sale of 10.27 lakh EVs under the PM E-DRIVE scheme has led to reduction of 230K tonnes of CO2emission. Currently no study on carbon emission from fuel-based vehicles has been carried out by MHI.
To encourage the integration of renewable energy in EV charging stations, the Ministry of Power, in its Guidelines for Installation and Operation of Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure-2024, has suggested a discount in electricity tariffs for EV charging during solar hours.” These guidelines also allow charging stations to integrate solar energy to their stations.
No. of EVs sold under the PM E-DRIVE Scheme as on 31.03.2025
State
Total
S.N.
e-2W
e-3W
Total
1
Andaman & Nicobar
17
–
17
2
Andhra Pradesh
39,331
2,640
41,971
3
Arunachal Pradesh
18
–
18
4
Assam
2,464
12,111
14,575
5
Bihar
13,672
10,136
23,808
6
Chhattisgarh
24,193
2,393
26,586
7
Chandigarh
1,220
140
1,360
8
Daman & Diu
130
8
138
9
Delhi
19,704
3,433
23,137
10
Goa
6,421
17
6,438
11
Gujarat
49,118
1,187
50,305
12
Himachal Pradesh
765
68
833
13
Haryana
14,019
864
14,883
14
Jharkhand
6,015
1,872
7,887
15
Jammu & Kashmir
1,996
5,874
7,870
16
Karnataka
1,00,901
6,343
1,07,244
17
Kerala
49,248
3,156
52,404
18
Ladakh
4
–
4
19
Lakshadweep
5
1
6
20
Maharashtra
1,70,413
6,842
1,77,255
21
Meghalaya
121
163
284
22
Manipur
7
193
200
23
Madhya Pradesh
49,204
3,354
52,558
24
Mizoram
430
–
430
25
Nagaland
5
–
5
26
Odisha
45,926
1,678
47,604
27
Punjab
16,553
737
17,290
28
Puducherry
3,361
187
3,548
29
Rajasthan
58,638
2,450
61,088
30
Shillong
1
1
2
31
Telangana
45,572
2,909
48,481
32
Tamil Nadu
93,159
1,683
94,842
33
Tripura
356
6,811
7,167
34
Uttarakhand
5,881
1,765
7,646
35
Uttar Pradesh
67,384
39,062
1,06,446
36
West Bengal
19,387
3,323
22,710
Total
9,05,639
1,21,401
10,27,040
This information was given by the Minister of State for Steel and Heavy Industries, Shri Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi announces Centre of Excellence for Traditional Medicine during the BIMSTEC Summit in Thailand I am pleased to announce that India will extend support for training and capacity building in cancer care across BIMSTEC countries: Prime Minister
Initiative to boost Research & Development and academic collaboration
Posted On: 04 APR 2025 8:28PM by PIB Delhi
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi announced the establishment of a Centre of Excellence to promote research and dissemination of Traditional Medicine during the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Summit held in Bangkok.
While announcing the initiative, Shri Narendra Modi said, “Public health is a vital pillar of our collective social development. I am pleased to announce that India will extend support for training and capacity building in cancer care across BIMSTEC countries. In line with our holistic approach to health, a Centre of Excellence will also be established to promote research and dissemination of traditional medicine”.
It is worth noting that Thailand and India have robust Traditional Medicine Systems with close mutual ties. With this announcement by the Prime Minister, the research and development activity in the area is set to get a significant boost. The two countries have been working together to strengthen, promote, facilitate and develop academic & research collaboration in Traditional Medicine.
This may also be noted that last year the National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, under the Ministry of Ayush of the Government of India and the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine of the Ministry of Public Health of the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the 10th India-Thailand Joint Commission Meeting held at Hyderabad House, New Delhi on the establishment of an Academic Collaboration in Ayurveda and Thai Traditional Medicine.
In academic collaboration, the Ayush Scholarship Scheme of the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India is offered through the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). The scholarship is provided for Undergraduate and Post-Graduate studies in Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha & Homoeopathy, B.Sc. in Yoga, B.A. in Yoga Shastra, Ph.D in Yoga and Ph.D in Ayurveda. During the past five years, 175 students from BIMSTEC regions have availed the scholarships.
India and Thailand have a long history of cooperation in various sectors including Traditional Medicine. The announcement of establishing a Centre of Excellence to promote research and dissemination of Traditional Medicine will further strengthen these ties.
In furtherance of the Government of India’s policy to prevent, regulate, and reduce litigation involving the Union of India, the Department of Legal Affairs (DLA), Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India, has formulated the “Directive for the Efficient and Effective Management of Litigation by the Government of India”. This Directive has been developed pursuant to the recommendations of the Committee of Secretaries (CoS), chaired by the Cabinet Secretary. It shall be applicable to all Ministries and Departments of the Central Government, including their attached and subordinate offices, autonomous bodies, as well as Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) in matters pertaining to arbitration.
The Directive adopts a comprehensive approach in reinforcing the goal of good governance, ensuring public welfare, and facilitating the timely dispensation of justice. It aims to introduce stringent measures to simplify legal procedures, prevent unnecessary litigation, address inconsistencies in notifications and orders, minimise unwarranted appeals, streamline inter-departmental coordination in litigation, ensure greater public accountability in arbitration matters, and establish a robust Knowledge Management System (KMS) to improve and enhance the efficiency of legal processes.
The implementation of the recommendations outlined in the Directive will be reviewed by the Committee of Secretaries, chaired by the Cabinet Secretariat.
Measures taken by the government to improve institutional delivery among tribal women Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK) entitles every pregnant woman to free delivery, including caesarean section, in public health institutions along with the provision of free transport, diagnostics, medicines, blood and diet
Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) ensures quality antenatal care for pregnant women with fixed monthly checkups and extended support for high-risk pregnancies
Birth Waiting Homes (BWH) have been established in remote and tribal areas promoting institutional delivery with improved access to healthcare facilities
Posted On: 04 APR 2025 3:57PM by PIB Delhi
As per the National Family Health Survey-5 (2019-21) India report, the institutional delivery of the country, including tribal women, is 88.6%. Under National Health Mission (NHM), the Government of India has undertaken various steps to improve the institutional delivery across all States and Union Territories, including tribal areas. These include:
Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY)is a demand promotion and conditional cash transfer scheme for promoting institutional delivery.
Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK) entitles every pregnant woman to free delivery, including caesarean section, in public health institutions along with the provision of free transport, diagnostics, medicines, blood, other consumables and diet.
Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) provides pregnant women a fixed day, free of cost assured and quality antenatal checkup by an obstetrician/Specialist/Medical Officer on the 9th day of every month.
Extended PMSMA strategy was launched to ensure quality antenatal checkup (ANC) to pregnant women, especially to high-risk pregnancy (HRP) women, and individual HRP tracking until a safe delivery is achieved through financial incentivization for the identified high-risk pregnant women and accompanying ASHA for extra three visits over and above the PMSMA visit.
Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan (SUMAN) provides assured, dignified, respectful and quality healthcare at no cost and zero tolerance for denial of services for every woman and newborn visiting public health facilities to end all preventable maternal and newborn deaths.
Birth Waiting Homes (BWH) are established in remote and tribal areas to promote institutional delivery and improve access to healthcare facilities.
Monthly Village Health, Sanitation and Nutrition Day (VHSND) is an outreach activity at Anganwadi centers for provision of maternal and child care including nutrition in convergence with the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD).
Outreach camps are provisioned to improve the reach of health care services, especially in tribal and hard-to-reach areas. This platform is used to increase awareness for the Maternal and Child health services and community mobilization as well as to track high-risk pregnancies.
The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Smt. Anupriya Patel stated this in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
****
MV
HFW/Measures taken by the govt to improve institutional delivery among tribal women/04 April 2025/4
Update on National Tele Mental Health Programme (NTMHP) As on 1st April 2025, 36 States/ UTs have set up 53 Tele MANAS Cells; 24×7 tele-mental health services are available in 20 languages based on languages opted by States
More than 20,05,000 calls have been handled on the helpline number
Over Rs. 230 crore have been allocated for NTMHP in last three years
A comprehensive mobile platform, Tele MANAS Mobile Application was launched on World Mental Health Day i.e. 10th October, 2024 for providing support for mental health issues
A dedicated Tele-MANAS Cell has been established at the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune to extend tele-mental health assistance and support to all Armed Forces service personnel and their dependents
Mental health services have been added in the package of services under Comprehensive Primary Health Care provided at more than 1.75 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs
District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) is implemented under the National Mental Health Programme in 767 districts of the country to detect, manage and treat mental illness at District Hospitals
Posted On: 04 APR 2025 3:58PM by PIB Delhi
The Government of India launched a “National Tele Mental Health Programme” (NTMHP) on 10th October, 2022, that functions as the digital arm of the District Mental Health Programme to provide universal access to equitable, accessible, affordable and quality mental health care through 24×7 tele-mental health counselling services. For this, a toll-free number (14416) has been set up across the country.
Specific objectives of the Programme are:
To exponentially scale up the reach of mental health services to anybody who reaches out, across India, any time, by setting up a 24×7 tele-mental health facility in each of the States and UTs of the country.
To implement a full-fledged mental health service network that, in addition to counselling, provides integrated medical and psychosocial interventions.
To extend services to vulnerable groups of the population and difficult to reach populations.
As on 1st April 2025, 36 States/ UTs have set up 53 Tele MANAS Cells. Tele-MANAS services are available in 20 languages based on language opted by States. More than 20,05,000 calls have been handled on the helpline number.
The Government has launched Tele MANAS Mobile Application on World Mental Health Day i.e. 10th October, 2024. Tele-MANAS Mobile Application is a comprehensive mobile platform that has been developed to provide support for mental health issues ranging from well-being to mental disorders.
Over Rs. 230 crore have been allocated by the government for NTMHP in last three years.
The Government has established a dedicated Tele-MANAS Cell at the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune to extend tele-mental health assistance and support to all Armed Forces service personnel and their dependents, further enhancing the mental health care services available to them.
The Government is also taking steps to integrate mental healthcare services at primary healthcare level. The Government has upgraded more than 1.75 lakh Sub Health Centres (SHCs) and Primary Health Centres (PHCs) to Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. Mental health services have been added in the package of services under Comprehensive Primary Health Care provided at these Ayushman Arogya Mandirs.
The District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) is implemented under the National Mental Health Programme in 767 districts of the country to detect, manage and treat mental illness at District Hospitals. Facilities are also made available under DMHP at the Community Health Centre (CHC) and Primary Health Centre (PHC) levels and include outpatient services, assessment, counselling/ psycho-social interventions, continuing care and support to persons with severe mental disorders, drugs, outreach services, ambulance services etc.
The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav stated this in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
India’s Coal Boom Production Surpasses One Billion Tonnes
Posted On: 04 APR 2025 3:58PM by PIB Delhi
Key takeaways
India has achieved a historic milestone by surpassing one billion tonnes of coal production in FY 2024-25, with a 4.99% growth in output compared to the previous year.
The country’s coal imports decreased by 8.4%, leading to substantial foreign exchange savings and a reduction in import dependency.
The coal sector remains a crucial contributor to India’s energy mix, powering over 74% of the country’s electricity and sustaining key industries like steel and cement.
A focus on coal gasification is positioning India to leverage syngas for producing methanol, fertilizers, and synthetic natural gas, promoting environmental sustainability.
Introduction
India achieved a historic milestone by surpassing one billion tonnes (BT) of coal production on 20 March 2025, in FY 2024-25—11 days ahead of last year’s 997.83 million tonnes (MT). With the fifth-largest coal reserves and as the second-largest consumer, coal remains crucial, contributing 55% to the national energy mix and fuelling over 74% of total power generation. The coal sector’s success is attributed to the tireless efforts of Coal Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), private players, and the dedicated workforce of around 5 lakh mine workers across more than 350 coal mines. These coal miners, who have defied numerous challenges with unmatched dedication, have played a pivotal role in achieving this historic milestone.
Growth in Coal Production and Dispatch
India’s coal production has reached 1047.57 MT (Provisional) in FY 2024-25, compared to 997.83 MT in FY 2023-24, marking a 4.99% growth. Production from Commercial & Captive, and other entities also saw a remarkable surge, reaching 197.50 MT (Provisional)—a 28.11% increase from 154.16 MT recorded in the previous year.
Coal production refers to the extraction of coal from mines.
Coal dispatch has also crossed the One BT milestone, with total dispatch reaching 1024.99 MT (Provisional) in FY 2024-25, up 5.34% from 973.01 MT in FY 2023-24. Dispatch from Commercial, Captive, and other entities witnessed an even more significant rise, reaching 196.83 MT (Provisional)—a 31.39% increase compared to 149.81 MT in the previous year.
Coal dispatch refers to the process of transporting and distributing that coal to various consumers, including power plants and industrial facilities.
Indian coal sector achieves notable reduction in imports
Coal imports fell 8.4% to 183.42 MT in April-December 2024 from 200.19 MT in the same period of FY 2023-24, saving $5.43 billion (₹42,315.7 crore) in foreign exchange. The Non-Regulated Sector saw a sharper decline of 12.01%, while imports for blending by thermal power plants dropped 29.8%, despite a 3.53% rise in coal-based power generation.
Government initiatives like Commercial Coal Mining and Mission Coking Coal boosted domestic coal output by 6.11% during this period, reducing import dependence.
Coal remains crucial for power, steel, and cement industries, but shortages in coking and high-grade thermal coal make imports necessary. The Ministry of Coal is strengthening domestic production to enhance energy security and advance Viksit Bharat, ensuring a self-reliant, sustainable energy framework for long-term growth.
Economic significance of the coal sector
Coal is vital to India’s energy needs, supplying over half of the country’s power. Despite renewable energy growth, coal-based thermal power will remain essential, with its share projected at 55% by 2030 and 27% by 2047.
Key contributions:
Railways & revenue: Coal stands as the single largest contributor to railway freight, with an average share of nearly 49% of total freight income amounting to Rs. 82,275 Crore in the fiscal year 2022-23 alone. This revenue contribution has surpassed 33% of total railway earnings, showcasing the sector’s substantial influence on India’s transportation network.
Government earnings: The coal sector contributes over Rs. 70,000 Crore annually to the central and state governments through royalties, GST, and other levies. These funds play a crucial role in fostering socio-economic development and infrastructure enhancement in coal-producing regions. Coal production generates substantial revenue for both Central and State Governments, with royalty collections reaching Rs. 23,184.86 Crore in the fiscal year 2022-23.
Employment: The sector provides jobs to over 239,000 workers in Coal India Ltd and thousands more in contractual and transport roles.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Coal sector PSUs prioritize CSR initiatives, with an average annual expenditure of Rs. 608 Crore over the past five years. Notably, Coal India Ltd alone has allocated an average of Rs. 517 Crore annually for CSR activities. Over 90% of the expenditure has been incurred on, socio- economic development focusing on healthcare, education, water supply and skill development in coal-producing regions.
Economic growth Substantial investments in capital expenditure, averaging Rs. 18,255 Crore annually over the past five years, have facilitated infrastructure development and resource optimization within coal sector PSUs.
Coal gasification initiative
The Government has undertaken the following coal gasification initiatives:
Financial incentive: On 24th January 2024, the Government approved ₹8,500 crore for promoting coal/lignite gasification projects for PSUs and the private sector.
Investment by CIL: Coal India Limited (CIL) has been approved to invest in joint ventures with BHEL and GAIL for coal gasification projects.
New sub-sector: In 2022, “Production of Syngas leading to coal gasification” was added under the NRS linkage auctions policy. Auctions under this sector have a floor price at the regulated sector’s notified price for projects commissioning within next seven years.
Revenue share rebate: A 50% rebate in revenue share for coal used in gasification has been introduced in commercial coal block auctions, provided at least 10% of the total coal production is used for gasification.
Coal gasification converts coal into syngas, which can be used for producing methanol, ammonium nitrate, Synthetic Natural Gas (SNG), and fertilisers. This technology promotes environmental sustainability in line with the vision of a developed India by 2047.
Safety audit of coal mines
As per the Ministry of Coal’s “Safety Health Management System Audit” guidelines (December 2023), safety audits are conducted annually. On 17th December 2024, the “National Coal Mine Safety Report Portal” was launched, incorporating a safety audit module for audit report submissions.
Key safety measures:
Regulatory updates:Directorate General of Mines Safety revamped the Coal Mines Regulations 1957 into The Coal Mines Regulations 2017, addressing modernisation, mechanisation, emergency response, and evacuation planning.
Advanced mining technologies:
Blast-free mining: Introduction of Blast-free mining technologies, such as Continuous Miner, Powered Support Longwall (PSLW) in UG mines, Surface Miner, Eccentric/Vertical Ripper in Opencast (OC) mines and Hybrid High Wall mining to extract coal seams that are not techno-economically viable through traditional opencast mining method.
Real-time monitoring: Real-time monitoring of UG mine environment by Environmental Telemonitoring System (ETMS) and Gas Chromatographs are used for quick and accurate mine air sampling.
Strata control: Mechanised roof bolting arrangement i.e. Universal Drilling Machine (UDM), QUAD and Twin Bolter systems, along with resin capsules and advanced instrumentation for strata monitoring.
Dust control: Dust suppression systems like truck-mounted Fog Canons and Sprinkler cum-mist sprays to reduce dust.
Training: Simulator-based training for Heavy Earth Moving Machinery (HEMM) operators and Virtual Reality (VR) training programs.
Monitoring: Modern technologies like Total Stations, 3D Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS), and Slope Stability Radars for monitoring slope and overburden (OB) dump stability. GPS-based Operator Independent Truck Dispatch System (OITDS), Geo-fencing in large OC to track HEMM movements.
Environmental & worker welfare initiatives:
Environmental protection: Environmental Impact Assessment studies are conducted before project approval, and ongoing environmental monitoring is ensured.
Worker welfare: Mines Rules, 1955 (under Mines Act, 1952) ensures health checks, first aid, shelters, canteens, and welfare officers. Additional initiatives include housing, clean drinking water, scholarships, financial assistance, healthcare, and compassionate employment.
Skill development: Structured vocational training, simulator-based training, specialised job training in drilling, blasting, fire safety, and safety workshops for Workmen Inspectors and Safety Committees.
Conclusion
The coal sector’s continued growth and resilience are vital to India’s energy strategy, economic development, and long-term sustainability. The remarkable achievements in production, dispatch, and coal gasification initiatives highlight the sector’s evolving role in meeting the nation’s energy demands. Through constant advancements in safety, environmental protection, and workforce welfare, the coal industry is setting a strong foundation for future progress. The government’s initiatives, alongside the dedication of the workforce, ensure that the coal sector will remain a cornerstone of India’s path toward becoming a self-reliant and developed nation by 2047.
Measures taken by the Government for detection and prevention of Cancer 770 District NCD Clinics, 233 Cardiac Care Units, 372 district day care centres, and 6,410 NCD clinics have established at community health centres under National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD)
National Health Mission has launched comprehensive initiative for screening and management of common NCDs, including cancer, through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs
Under ‘Strengthening of Tertiary Cancer Care Facilities Scheme’, 9 state cancer institutes and 20 tertiary centres have been established; new facilities approved at all new 22 AIIMS
Under PM-JAY, over 68 lakh cancer treatments worth over ₹13,000 crore have been undertaken, with 75.81% treatments availed in rural areas; targeted therapies for cancer care have seen over 4.5 lakh treatments worth over ₹985 crore, with 76.32% treatment access by rural beneficiaries
Posted On: 04 APR 2025 4:00PM by PIB Delhi
Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, offers both technical and financial support to States and Union Territories through the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD) as part of the National Health Mission (NHM). Under this program, a total of 770 District NCD Clinics, 233 Cardiac Care Units, 372 district day care centres, and 6,410 NCD clinics at community health centres have been established across the country.
In addition to these facilities, a population-based initiative for screening, management and prevention of common NCDs including cancer have been rolled out as a part of comprehensive Primary Health Care in the country under National Health Mission (NHM) through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. Screening of these common NCDs including oral, breast and cervical cancer is an integral part of 12 package of service delivery including rural and underserved area.
The Government has implemented the Strengthening of Tertiary Cancer Care Facilities Scheme, resulting in establishment of 19 State Cancer Institutes and 20 Tertiary Cancer Care Centers across various regions. Additionally, cancer treatment facilities have been approved in all 22 new AIIMS, equipped with diagnostic, medical, and surgical capabilities. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) at Jhajjar, featuring 1,460 patient care beds and advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities, along with the second campus of the Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute in Kolkata, which has 460 beds, have been set up to provide super-specialty care.
Complementing these efforts, the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) offers ₹5 lakh per family annually for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization to approximately 55 crore beneficiaries, corresponding to 12.37 crore families. Recently, the scheme extended health coverage to all senior citizens aged 70 and above, regardless of income. The latest national master of the Health Benefit Package (HBP) under AB PM-JAY includes treatment for 1,961 procedures across 27 specialties, including cancer care.
Under PMJAY, more than 68 lakh cancer treatments worth over ₹13,000 crore have been undertaken, with 75.81% of these treatments availed by beneficiaries from rural areas. Furthermore, targeted therapies for cancer care have seen over 4.5 lakh treatments worth over ₹985 crore, with 76.32% of these treatments accessed by rural beneficiaries under PM-JAY.
As per the announcement of Union Budget 2025-26, Government plans to set up Day Care Cancer Centres (DCCCs) in consultation with States/Union Territories in district hospitals in the next 3 years, out of which 200 centres are proposed to be set up in 2025-26.
A comprehensive gap analysis has been undertaken to assess the availability of cancer care infrastructure, medical personnels, and essential equipment in district hospitals. Based on the findings, Union Health Ministry, in consultation with State Governments, plans to establish DCCCs in districts with a high cancer burden and limited access to cancer care services. The selection of these districts will ensure robust referral linkages with State Cancer Institutes (SCIs) and Tertiary Cancer Care Centers (TCCCs) to provide a seamless continuum of care.
The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav stated this in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
****
MV
HFW/Steps taken by the govt for detection & prevention of Cancer/04 April, 2025/3
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025: An overview of the Act vs Bill
Posted On: 04 APR 2025 4:03PM by PIB Delhi
Introduction
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 aims to update the Waqf Act, 1995 to fix issues in the management of Waqf properties. The proposed changes focus on:
Overcoming the shortcomings of the previous act and enhancing the efficiency of Waqf boards
Updating the definitions of waqf
Improving the registration process
Increasing the role of technology in managing Waqf records.
The Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2025 seeks to remove the outdated Mussalman Wakf Act, 1923, which is no longer effective for modern India. The repeal will:
Ensure uniform rules for managing Waqf properties under the Waqf Act, 1995.
Improve transparency and accountability in Waqf management.
Eliminate confusion and legal contradictions caused by the old law.
Major issues:
Irrevocability of Waqf Properties
The principle “once a waqf, always a waqf” has led to disputes, such as claims over islands in Bet Dwarka, which have been deemed perplexing by courts as well.
Legal Disputes & Poor Management: The Waqf Act, 1995, and its 2013 amendment have not been effective. Some problems include:
Illegal occupation of Waqf land
Mismanagement and ownership disputes
Delays in property registration and surveys
Large-scale litigation cases and complaints to the Ministry
No Judicial Oversight
Decisions by Waqf Tribunals cannot be challenged in higher courts.
This reduces transparency and accountability in Waqf management.
Incomplete Survey of Waqf Properties
The Survey Commissioner’s work has been poor, leading to delays.
In states like Gujarat and Uttarakhand, surveys have not even started.
In Uttar Pradesh, a survey ordered in 2014 is still pending.
Lack of expertise and poor coordination with the Revenue Department have slowed the registration process.
Misuse of Waqf Laws
Some State Waqf Boards have misused their powers, leading to community tensions.
Section 40 of the Waqf Act has been widely misused to declare private properties as Waqf properties, causing legal battles and unrest.
As per information out of 30 States/UTs, data was given only by 8 States where 515 properties have been declared as Waqf under Section 40.
Constitutional Validity of the Waqf Act
The Waqf Act applies only to one religion, while no similar law exists for others.
A PIL (Public Interest Litigation) has been filed in the Delhi High Court, questioning whether the Waqf Act is constitutional. The Delhi High Court has asked the Central Government to respond to this issue.
Key Features of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025
Feature
Waqf Act, 1995
Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025
Name of the Act
Waqf Act, 1995
Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development Act, 2025.
Formation of Waqf
Waqf could be formed by declaration, user, or endowment (waqf-alal-aulad).
Removes waqf by user and allows formation only through declaration or endowment.
Donors must be practicing Muslims for at least five years and must own the property.
Waqf-alal-aulad cannot deny inheritance rights to female heirs.
Government Property as Waqf
No clear provision.
Any government property identified as Waqf will cease to be Waqf. Ownership disputes will be resolved by the Collector, who will submit a report to the state government.
Power to Determine Waqf Property
The Waqf Board previously had the power to inquire and determine waqf property.
Provision removed.
Survey of Waqf
Assigned survey commissioners and additional commissioners to conduct Waqf surveys.
Empowers Collectors to conduct surveys and mandates pending surveys to be conducted as per state revenue laws.
Central Waqf Council Composition
Constituted the Central Waqf Council to advise the central and state governments and Waqf Boards.
All members of the Central Waqf Council had to be Muslims, including at least two women members.
Two members must be non-Muslims.
MPs, former judges, and eminent persons appointed to the Council as per the Act need not be Muslims.
The following members must be Muslims: Representatives of Muslim organisations, Scholars in Islamic law, Chairpersons of Waqf Boards
Of the Muslim members, two members must be women.
Waqf Boards Composition
Provides for election of up to two members each from electoral colleges of Muslim: (i) MPs, (ii) MLAs and MLCs, and (iii) Bar Council members, from the state to the Board.
At least two members must be women
The Bill empowers the state government to nominate one person from each background to the Board. They need not be Muslims. It adds that the Board must have:
Two non-Muslim members
At least one member each from Shias, Sunnis, and Backward classes of Muslims
One member each from Bohra and Agakhani communities (if there is Waqf in the state)
Two Muslim members must be women.
Tribunal Composition
Required state-level Tribunals for Waqf disputes, led by a judge (Class-1, District, Sessions, or Civil Judge), and included:
A state officer (Additional District Magistrate rank)
A Muslim law expert
The amendment removes the Muslim law expert and instead includes:
A current or former District Court judge as chairman
A current or former joint secretary to the state government
Appeal on Tribunal Orders
Decision of the Tribunal are final and appeals against its decisions in Courts are prohibited.
Only High Courts could intervene under special circumstances
The Bill omits provisions deeming finality to Tribunal’s decisions.
Allows appeals to the High Court within 90 days
Powers of Central Government
State governments could audit Waqf accounts at any time.
The Bill empowers the central government to make rules regarding registration, publication of accounts of waqf and publication of proceedings of Waqf Boards.
The Bill empowers the central government to get these audited by the CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General) or a designated officer.
Separate Waqf Boards for Sects
Separate Waqf Boards for Sunni and Shia sects if Shia waqf constitute more than 15% of all waqf properties or waqf income in the state.
Separate Waqf boards allowed for Bohra and Agakhani sects, along with Shia and Sunni sects.
Inclusion of non-Muslim members in the Waqf Board and Central Waqf Council
Conclusion:
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, introduces significant reforms aimed at enhancing the governance, transparency, and efficiency of waqf property management in India. By addressing long-standing issues such as litigation and the lack of judicial oversight, the Bill seeks to create a more structured and accountable framework. Key changes include redefining the formation of waqf, improving the survey and registration process, empowering government oversight, ensuring inclusivity by incorporating non-Muslim members and women into waqf-related bodies. These provisions mark a crucial step toward modernizing Waqf property management in India.
Parliament passes the Protection of Interest in Aircraft Objects Bill, 2025 Another significant reform under the leadership of Civil Aviation Minister Shri Ram Mohan Naidu
Posted On: 04 APR 2025 4:03PM by PIB Delhi
The Protection of Interest in Aircraft Objects Bill, 2025, introduced by Minister of Civil Aviation Shri Ram Mohan Naidu, was passed in Lok Sabha on 03.04.2025, following its earlier acceptance in the Rajya Sabha. With both Houses having cleared the legislation, this marks the second major aviation reform passed under the leadership of Civil Aviation Minister Shri Ram Mohan Naidu. The bill aims to align India’s aircraft leasing and financing ecosystem with global standards and marks a critical step in deepening investor confidence in India’s rapidly growing aviation market.
The Bill builds on the framework of the Cape Town Convention of 2001, which aimed to simplify and standardize international leasing agreements. India formally adopted this convention in 2008, but gaps in legal enforcement led to higher leasing costs—typically 8 to 10 percent higher than other nations. With this bill, India seeks to plug those gaps, providing legal certainty to aircraft financiers and reducing costs for Indian carriers.
Shri Ram Mohan Naidu underlined the urgency behind the legislation and stated “There was a vision behind this leap in civil aviation. There was a mission to fulfill that vision. And to make that mission possible, there was the guidance of our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. The kind of growth we are seeing today was made possible because of his leadership.”
He illustrated this growth with concrete figures. “For almost 65 years—from Independence to 2014—the total number of passengers flying annually in India was 10 crore 38 lakh. In just the next 10 years, that number has more than doubled to 22 crore 81 lakh in 2024,” he said. “Similarly, the number of airports in India increased from 74 in 2014 to 159 in 2024, with two more ready to be launched soon,” he highlighted.
The Minister also spotlighted the increase in the number of aircraft, growing from 340 in 2014 to over 840 by 2024. “These figures show that civil aviation in India is not just growing—it’s booming. No other country has seen this level of aviation expansion in such a short period,” he stated.
The Bill is expected to further ease leasing processes, make India a more attractive destination for aviation investments, and improve the country’s compliance scores under the Cape Town Convention. These changes are essential for reducing airline costs and encouraging new entrants into the sector.
The discussion also touched upon broader issues in the civil aviation sector, such as the high cost of Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) which accounts for nearly 45% of an airline’s operational costs. The Minister expressed concern over the variation in ATF tax across states and called for more states to follow the example of those who have reduced their rates. “Reducing these taxes will boost regional connectivity and lower costs for passengers,” he added. Looking to the future, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has set ambitious targets for sustainability and capacity building.
With plans to generate 2.5 crore liters of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) by 2025 and transition over 100 airports to renewable energy, India is making a strong push toward greener aviation. The sector also faces a growing demand for trained pilots—estimated at 30,000 to 34,000 over the next 10 to 15 years. “We are working on increasing the number of Flight Training Organizations (FTOs) and issuing more commercial pilot licenses annually to meet this demand,” the Minister said.
In conclusion, Shri Ram Mohan Naidu affirmed the government’s long-term vision: “Civil aviation in India is not just about flying planes. It’s about connecting people, boosting economies, and creating opportunities. And we are committed to making India a global leader in aviation.”