(2013 in Retrospect)
By IANS,
Dec 26: In a major decision with political ramifications, the cabinet approved a probe into the alleged snooping on a young woman by Gujarat Police in 2009 at the behest of former state home minister Amit Shah. An angry BJP dismissed the decision as “politically motivated”.
Dec 19: In order to enable the Jats to avail the benefits of reservation in central government jobs and educational institutions, the cabinet asked the National Commission for Backward Classes to advise on the inclusion of the community in the central list in states like Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan (two districts), Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Uttarakhand and Bihar.
Oct 3: The cabinet approved the creation of a new state of Telangana by bifurcating Andhra Pradesh with the city of Hyderabad as the common capital for both the states for ten years. The move drew huge protests in the region.
Oct 3: The cabinet approved acquisition of a stake in Jet Airways by the United Arab Emirates-based Etihad Airways.
Oct 2: After Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi spoke against it, the cabinet reversed its earlier decision and withdrew a proposed Ordinance seeking to protect tainted MPs and MLAs.
Aug 2: The cabinet created a special fund for revival of loss making public sector companies.
Aug 1: In order to boost a sagging economy, the cabinet allowed enhanced foreign equity limits in key sectors like defence, telecom, pharmaceuticals and retail.
July 11: In order to meet the growing demand for transport systems in the National Capital Region (NCR), the cabinet approved a corporation with a kitty of Rs 100 crore to develop a Regional Rapid Transit system (RRTS). The three corridors planned are the 111 km Delhi-Sonipat-Panipat corridor, the 180 km Delhi-Gurgaon-Alwar route and the 90 km Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut corridor.
June 21: The cabinet approved a mechanism to ensure adequate supply of coal to power companies to boost electricity production.
April 5: The cabinet approved decontrol of the sugar sector and linked sugarcane prices to the revenue of sugar mills in a move to benefit the farmers.