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Union Cabinet Approves Five Major Proposals

  • 05 Nov 2026

On November 4, 2026, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved five key proposals relating to statistics, critical minerals, energy storage, service terms of Agniveers, and fast-track special courts.

Key Facts

  1. VISTAR Scheme: The Cabinet approved the ‘Viksit Bharat Initiative for Statistical Transformation, Analytics and Research’ (VISTAR) scheme with an outlay of Rs. 4,371.10 crore.
    • Scheme Duration: This Central Sector Scheme under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation will be implemented from FY 2026–27 to 2030–31.
    • Key Provisions: The scheme proposes conducting 59 surveys, the 8th Economic Census, strengthening statistical capacities of states, and enabling AI-based data analytics.
  2. Critical Mineral Processing: The Cabinet approved a capital expenditure support scheme of Rs. 2,814 crore for domestic processing of lithium and nickel.
    • Plants & Subsidy: A 30% capital subsidy on eligible investments will be provided for setting up two lithium and two nickel processing plants.
    • Maximum Support: Up to Rs. 500 crore for each selected lithium project and up to Rs. 900 crore for each selected nickel project can be granted as capital assistance.
    • Key Objective: Implemented from 2026–27 to 2030–31, the scheme aims to reduce import dependence for electric vehicles, batteries, and the defence industry.
  3. Energy Storage Scheme: The Cabinet approved a Viability Gap Funding (VGF) scheme of Rs. 14,500 crore to develop 92 GWh of grid-scale energy storage capacity.
    • Capacity Allocation: Includes 60 GWh of pumped storage, 30 GWh of battery energy storage, and 2 GWh of alternative storage technologies.
    • Investment & Tenure: The estimated total investment is around Rs. 97,600 crore. It will be implemented from FY 2026–27 to 2030–31.
    • Domestic Manufacturing: A minimum domestic content requirement of 40% has been mandated for battery energy storage projects.
  4. Service Tenure of Agniveers: The Cabinet approved an additional two-year service period for the remaining 75% of Agniveers under the Agnipath scheme who wish to continue.
    • Regular Appointment: As per the existing policy, 25% of Agniveers will receive permanent service absorption based on merit.
    • New Framework: All willing Agniveers who complete the additional two years will be eligible for recruitment as regular soldiers upon fulfilling specified selection criteria.
    • Service Benefits: Agniveers serving the extended period will receive higher remuneration, an enhanced Seva Nidhi package, and seniority-related benefits.
  5. Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs): The Cabinet extended the scheme for Fast Track Special Courts for trying rape and POCSO Act cases until March 31, 2031.
    • Financial Outlay: The total scheme outlay is Rs. 3,788.04 crore (Central share: Rs. 2,353.15 crore; States/UTs share: Rs. 1,434.89 crore).
    • Court Expansion: Provisions have been made to increase the number of FTSCs (including exclusive POCSO courts) from 779 to 850.
    • Funding: This is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme; the Central Government's financial share will be met through the Nirbhaya Fund.