The Union Cabinet today gave its approval for implementing a comprehensive Telecom Development Plan for the North-Eastern Region. The proposal entails an estimated cost of over Rs 5,336 crore. The project will increase the reliability of district and state headquarters connectivity by providing alternative optical fiber connectivity.It will also ensure that notwithstanding any problem in one route, the voice and data transfer through other route will keep the district and state headquarters connected. This project is aimed to cover the remote villages in the region as also to keep seamless connectivity on national highways in the area.The Union Cabinet today took stock of the financial inclusion scheme, Jan Dhan Yojana. Official sources said that 3.02 crore bank accounts have been opened till 8th of this month under the scheme out of which 1.89 crore accounts are in rural areas and 1.13 crore are in urban areas. The banks have collected deposits of over 1,496 crore rupees under the scheme so far.The Cabinet today cleared over Rs 8 thousand crore investment for NHPC's Pakal Dul Hydroelectric Project in Jammu and Kashmir, which will help in reducing power shortage in the northern region. It will also help in the socio-economic upliftment of remote areas of Jammu and Kashmir.The Cabinet also cleared infusion of equity up to Rs 1,605 crore by NHPC in Chenab Valley Power Projects Private Limited for construction of the Pakal Dul and for initial investment in Kiru and Kwar hydroelectric projects.Another proposal was approved for formation and incorporation of Chenab Valley Power Projects Private Limited , a Joint Venture between NHPC, Jammu and Kashmir State Development Corporation and PTC.The Joint Venture partners will arrange equity by their internal resources. The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has sanctioned exemption from Work Contract Tax or entry tax and waiver of free power and water user charges for a period often years from the completion of the project. The Government of Jammu and Kashmir will purchase 49 per cent of power from the project. The remaining power will be allocated to the constituent states in the northern region excluding Himachal Pradesh. Himachal Pradesh has refused to purchase power due to less requirement.