Cabinet increases MSP; approves merger of MTNL, BSNL in principle

In a move to increase farmers’ income, the Cabinet on Wednesday decided to hike MSP for Rabi crops for Marketing Season 2020-21.

The Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi also approved revival plan of state owned telecom bodies Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) and in-principle merger of the two.

Briefing reporters after the Cabinet meeting, Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said spectrum of 4G will be allocated to the Telecom Public sector enterprises.
Attractive VRS packages to be offered, Mr Prasad said.

He ruled out privatisation of the MTNL and the BSNL.

Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar said MSP for Rabi crops for Marketing Season 2020-21 have been hiked. The absolute increase in MSP of wheat and Barley is Rs 85 while rapeseed and mustard oil will see the jump of Rs 225.
The absolute increase in gram is Rs 255 while Rs 270 for safflower and Rs 325 for lentil,   Javadekar said.
The Cabinet approved Cadre review of Group ‘A’ General Duty (Executive) Cadre and Non-GD cadre of Indo- Tibetan Border Police.

The CCEA also approved the Review of Guidelines for Granting Authorization to entities seeking to Market Transportation Fuels.  (UNI)