The Union Cabinet has approved the strengthening and restructuring of Integrated Child Development Services Scheme. In its meeting chaired by Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh in New Delhi, the cabinet yesterday gave its nod to restructure the scheme. Under this, revised package of services will be initiated which will focus on under-3 children, maternal care, and Early Childhood Care Education. The financial implications during 12th five year plan is estimated at 1,23,580 crore rupees.

The Cabinet also approved extention of the validity of Central Notifications issued in respect of pulses, edible oils and edible oilseeds for a further one year period from 1st of October this year to 30th of September next year. The main objective of the Control Order is to enable State Governments to continue taking effective de-hoarding operations under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, by fixing stock limits or licensing requirements especially in view of rising prices and unsatisfactory monsoons.
This will moderate the prices of these commodities and ensure their availability at fair prices to the people.
The Cabinet also approved a 7 per cent hike in the Dearness Allowance, DA, for central government employees. The approval will benefit 80 lakh central government employees and pensioners. The hike will be effective from July 1st this year, and the employees will be entitled to arrears from that date.

The government has also approved One rank One Pension for ex servicemen. The decision means that uniform pension will be paid to the Defence Forces personnel retiring in the same rank with the same length of service irrespective of their date of retirement. The total package will cost the government 2300 crore rupees