Bhubaneswar, 11th Aug 2025: Two major government decisions —
1. “MERIIT” Scheme (Multidisciplinary Education and Research Improvement in Technical Education)
Will be implemented in 275 technical institutions (including 175 engineering colleges and 100 polytechnics).
Objective — To improve the quality, equity, and governance of technical education in line with the National Education Policy 2020.
Duration — From 2025-26 to 2029-30.
Total expenditure — ₹4,200 crore (₹2,100 crore from World Bank loan).
Around 7.5 lakh students to benefit.
2. Continuation of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana Subsidy
Subsidy will continue until the financial year 2025-26.
₹300 subsidy for each 14.2 kg LPG cylinder.
Benefit available for up to 9 cylinders per household annually.
₹12,000 crore to be spent on subsidy in 2025-26.
Approval of ₹30,000 crore to compensate oil marketing companies for domestic LPG sales losses.