New Delhi, April 30: In a landmark move, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday announced key decisions taken during the Modi government’s latest “Super Cabinet” meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Among the most significant announcements were the approval of a nationwide caste-based census, a massive ₹22,864 crore highway development project, and a sharp hike in the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) for sugarcane farmers.
Caste Census to be Conducted Nationwide After 94 Years
For the first time in independent India, the central government will conduct a caste-based census. The last such exercise was carried out in 1931 under British rule. Vaishnaw declared that the upcoming census will include detailed enumeration of castes across all states and union territories.
“This is a historic step toward inclusive policy-making,” he said during a press conference. Taking a jibe at the Congress party, Vaishnaw accused them of using caste-based data for political gain without implementing long-term benefits for the marginalized communities.
Massive Highway Project Approved in Northeast
In a significant push for infrastructure in the Northeast, the cabinet approved a 166.8 km four-lane highway project from Shillong to the Silver Corridor, linking Meghalaya and Assam. The project is estimated to cost ₹22,864 crore and is expected to boost regional connectivity, trade, and tourism.
“This road project is not just concrete and tar; it’s a bridge to progress for the Northeast,” Vaishnaw stated, emphasizing the strategic and economic importance of the highway.
Sugarcane Farmers Get a Boost: FRP Hiked to ₹355/quintal
The cabinet also approved a major decision favoring sugarcane farmers by increasing the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) to ₹355 per quintal for the 2025-26 sugarcane season. This move is likely to benefit millions of farmers across India, especially in states like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Karnataka.
“By increasing FRP, we’re ensuring our farmers get a fair deal for their hard work,” said Vaishnaw.
What is FRP?
FRP is the minimum price that sugar mills must pay to sugarcane farmers. Set by the central government, it takes into account the cost of cultivation and ensures a fair profit margin to farmers.
Inside the Super Cabinet Meeting
The announcements followed a high-level meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs, often referred to as the Super Cabinet. Headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the committee includes the country’s top ministers — Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal.
This elite panel is responsible for the most crucial and strategic decisions affecting national policies and governance.
Why These Decisions Matter
- Caste Census: A potentially transformative tool for reshaping India’s welfare programs, reservation policies, and social development.
- Highway Project: Boosts regional integration and promises long-term economic upliftment in the Northeast.
- FRP Hike: Offers critical financial support to farmers amid fluctuating crop prices and input costs.
With the 2024 general elections behind and governance back in full swing, these decisions highlight the Modi government’s intent to combine social justice with economic growth and infrastructure expansion. The nationwide caste census, in particular, could shape India’s socio-political landscape for decades to come.
