The government has cleared a 7,266-crore rupees package for the development of the drought-hit Bundelkhand region and decided to set up a monitoring group to oversee its implementation. The decision to this effect was taken at a meeting of Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni told reporters after the meeting that the package is likely to give an impetus to the development of the region. Bundelkhand comprises districts of both Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh and had hit the headlines after AICC General Secretary Rahul Gandhi visited the area last year. Irrigation projects and the construction of a power plant are likely to be undertaken with the funds.<br/><br/>In an ambitious plan to meet energy demands, the Cabinet has the national solar mission aimed at generating 20,000 MW by 2022. Union Cabinet approved launching of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar mission 'Solar India' at an estimated cost of Rs 4,337 crores. The mission will have a three-phased approach for solar energy applications in the country.<br/><br/>The Cabinet also gave approval for re-inclusion of cotton seed as an essential commodity for six months by amending the schedule to the Essential Commodities Act (ECA), 1955, or till the Seed Bill is passed by Parliament.<br/>