Cabinet approves PMGSY phase III, amendments to POSCO Act

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the launch of the third phase of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY).  

Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, Information and Broadcasting minister Prakash Javadekar said it involves consolidation of through routes and major rural links connecting habitations to Gramin Agricultural markets, higher secondary schools and hospitals. 

Under PMGSY third it is proposed to consolidate one lakh twenty-five thousand-kilometre road length in the states. He said the scheme would facilitate easy and faster movement to and from Gramin Agricultural markets. 

It will entail an estimated cost of eighty thousand two hundred fifty crore rupees out of which the central share will be fifty-three



thousand eight hundred crore rupees while the state would invest twenty-six thousand four hundred fifty crore rupees.

Cabinet has approved the Amendments to the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences, POCSO, Act, 2012.  

It will make punishment more stringent for committing sexual crimes against children including the death penalty. 

The amendments also provide for levy of fines and imprisonment to curb child pornography. 

Briefing reporters, Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar said the amendment is expected to discourage the trend of child sexual abuse by acting as a deterrent due to strong penal provisions incorporated in the Act.