Yogi Adityanath Commends PM Modi for Cabinet Approval of MERITE and Ujjwala Schemes

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the Union Cabinet's approval of significant budgetary support for the MERITE and Ujjwala schemes, aimed at enhancing technical education and maternal health.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the Union Cabinet's approval of significant budgetary support for the MERITE and Ujjwala schemes. The Multidisciplinary Education and Research Improvement in Technical Education (MERITE) scheme received an allocation of Rs 4,200 crore, which Adityanath highlighted in a post on X, stating it would benefit 275 technical institutions and around 7.5 lakh students.

The MERITE scheme aims to enhance technical education quality and inclusivity, aligning with the National Education Policy-2020. It will foster research, innovation, employment-focused education, and empower women faculty members. "Heartfelt gratitude to the Prime Minister ji!" Adityanath expressed in his post. This initiative is expected to open new opportunities for students across India.

Support for Ujjwala Scheme

Adityanath also acknowledged the Union Cabinet's decision to continue a Rs 300 per cylinder subsidy under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) for the financial year 2025-26. He described this as a dedication to the health, respect, and convenience of maternal power. The subsidy aims to benefit over 10.33 crore households, providing essential support to families across the nation.

On the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, Adityanath thanked Prime Minister Modi for this generous gesture towards more than 10.33 crore beneficiaries. The PMUY was initially launched in May 2016 to provide free LPG connections to adult women from economically disadvantaged households throughout India.

Financial Implications and Assistance

The Union Cabinet's approval includes a central sector scheme with a total financial implication of Rs 4,200 crore for MERITE from 2025-26 to 2029-30. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that out of this amount, Rs 2,100 crore will come as external assistance from the World Bank in the form of a loan.

Additionally, a subsidy of Rs 12,000 crore under PMUY for 2025-26 was approved earlier by the Union Cabinet. This decision continues to support households by ensuring access to clean cooking fuel through LPG connections. As of July 1, there are approximately 10.33 crore PMUY connections across India.

The initiatives reflect the government's commitment to improving education and living standards through targeted schemes. By focusing on technical education enhancement and providing essential subsidies, these measures aim to uplift various sections of society effectively.

With inputs from PTI