New Delhi, 16th Aug 2025: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the implementation of the Multidisciplinary Education and Research Improvement in Technical Education (MERIT) scheme in 275 technical institutions, including 175 engineering colleges and 100 polytechnics across the country.
The initiative aims to align with the National Education Policy 2020, enhancing quality, inclusivity, and governance in technical education across states and Union Territories. Over 7.5 lakh students are expected to benefit. The scheme will run from 2025–26 to 2029–30 with a total outlay of Rs4,200 crore, of which Rs2,100 crore will come from World Bank assistance.
In a parallel decision, the Cabinet approved the continuation of subsidies under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana for 2025–26. Beneficiaries will continue receiving a subsidy of ₹300 per 14.2 kg LPG cylinder for up to 9 cylinders annually. A budget of Rs12,000 crore has been sanctioned for this subsidy, along with Rs30,000 crore in compensation to state-run oil marketing companies (IOCL, BPCL, HPCL) for losses in domestic LPG sales.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan welcomed the MERIT approval, calling it a major step towards making technical education qualitative, universal, and all-inclusive.
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