The Hindu : National : Nod for farm sector schemes

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Dec 30, 2005

National

National

Nod for farm sector schemes

Special Correspondent

Approval for Apprenticeship Act to provide reservation for Other Backward Classes

NEW DELHI : The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on Thursday approved a Rs. 2,091 crore Centrally sponsored scheme on micro-irrigation to increase coverageunder drip and sprinkler irrigation. The Centre will provide Rs. 850 crore,, and the State Governments Rs. 207 crores. The balance will be through farmer contributions. The immediate objective will be to bring 6.2 lakh hectares more under micro-irrigation across the country during the remaining two years of the current Five Year Plan.

It is expected to particularly benefit small and marginal farmers. An important project component would be to develop the skills of farmers and field functionaries.

The CCEA also approved a Rs. 198 crore project for enhancing seed production for agricultural crops and the fisheries sector at ICAR institutions, Central and State agricultural universities and other organisations.

The Cabinet, which also met on Thursday, cleared the introduction of a Bill to amend the Apprenticeship Act to provide for reservation for Other Backward Classes. Instructions and theoretical knowledge will be imparted to the apprentices at the cost of the employers.

The aim is to avoid the paperwork related to reimbursement of small expenses on related instructions by the Government agencies.

Besides, it will seek to introduce flexibility in the ratios prescribed for apprenticeship scheme.

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