In a cabinet briefing on Wednesday, June 25, Union Minister of Railways of India Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the approval of the Pune Metro extension. Besides, the centre has also passed a resolution on Constitution Assassination Day.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has also approved the revised Jharia Master Plan (JMP) for addressing issues related to fire, land subsidence, and the rehabilitation of affected families in the Jharia Coalfield. The total financial outlay for the implementation of the revised plan is Rs 5,940.47 crore. The phase-wise approach shall ensure that handling of fire and subsidence and rehabilitation of the affected families will be done on a priority basis from the most vulnerable sites.

Revised JMP

“For families being resettled under the plan, the Revised JMP places a far greater emphasis on creating sustainable livelihoods. To guarantee the restored families’ financial independence, targeted skill development programs and options for income generation would be established,” said Vaishnaw.

“Moreover, both Legal Title Holder (LTH) and Non-Legal Title Holder (Non-LTH) households will be eligible for a Livelihood Grant of Rs 1 lakh and access to credit support of up to Rs 3 lakh through an institutional credit pipeline,” he added.

In addition, comprehensive infrastructure and essential amenities—such as roads, electricity, water supply, sewerage, schools, hospitals, skill development centres, community halls, and other common facilities—are to be developed at the resettlement sites. These provisions will be implemented as per the recommendations of the Committee for Implementation of the Revised Jharia Master Plan, ensuring a holistic and humane rehabilitation approach.

As part of the livelihood support measures, a dedicated Jharia Alternative Livelihoods Rehabilitation Fund is to be established to promote livelihood-related activities. Skill development initiatives will also be carried out in collaboration with Multi Skill Development Institutes operating in the region.