The Union Cabinet has approved projects worth ?1.02 lakh crore, including a broader health coverage program for all citizens aged 70 and above, along with a new rural roads initiative. Citizens with private health insurance or coverage under the Employees' State Insurance scheme can participate. However, those already enrolled in other public health insurance programs, such as the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), and Ayushman Central Armed Police Force (CAPF), can either continue with their current coverage or opt for the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), the official statement said.

In New Delhi, the government has extended the Ayushman Bharat free health coverage program to all citizens aged 70 and above. It has also approved financial support for electric vehicles under a new scheme, allocating ?70,125 crore for upgrading and constructing rural roads. Additionally, ?12,461 crore has been earmarked for developing hydropower projects with a capacity of 31,350 MW.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the Cabinet in making these decisions.

EV Push The Cabinet has approved the PM E-Drive Scheme, allocating ?10,900 crore over two years to promote the adoption of electric vehicles, replacing the nine-year-old FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacture of Electric Vehicles) program that ended in March. "This initiative will enhance green mobility and help us build a sustainable future," Modi said on X.

The scheme will support the deployment of 2.48 million electric two-wheelers, 316,000 electric three-wheelers, and 14,028 electric buses. It will also establish 88,500 charging stations. Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwani Vaishnaw informed reporters after the Cabinet meeting and emphasized that the government will continue to offer incentives to companies that focus on domestic manufacturing, underscoring that "the emphasis on domestic production remains a priority in all government schemes."

The new scheme includes subsidies and incentives worth ?3,679 crore to encourage the adoption of electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, e-ambulances, e-trucks, and other emerging electric vehicles (EVs). For buses, ?4,391 crore will be used to procure 14,028 electric buses by state transport undertakings and public transport agencies. Additionally,?500 crore has been earmarked for the deployment of electric ambulances, and another?500 crore will encourage the use of electric trucks.

Health Cover The Cabinet has approved health insurance coverage for all citizens aged 70 years and above, regardless of income, under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY). This scheme will benefit 60 million senior citizens from 45 million families, offering free health insurance worth ?5 lakh. Eligible beneficiaries will receive a health card. "We are committed to providing accessible, affordable, and top-quality healthcare to every Indian," Modi posted on X. "This scheme will bring dignity, care, and security to 60 million citizens!"

Senior citizens with private health insurance or coverage under the Employees' State Insurance scheme will be eligible. However, those already covered by public health insurance programs like CGHS, ECHS, and CAPF can either remain in those programs or opt for AB PM-JAY, according to the official statement.

Rural Roads The Cabinet has approved the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-IV (PMGSY-IV) from FY25 to FY29. This initiative will support the construction of 62,500 kilometers of roads, connecting 25,000 unconnected habitations, and upgrading bridges.

The total expenditure for PMGSY-IV is set at ?70,125 crore, with ?49,087.50 crore as the central share and ?21,037.50 crore allocated to the states.