Modi Cabinet Decisions: Modi Cabinet Approves ₹11,718 Cr for Census 2027, CoalSETU Policy, and Copra MSP

The Union Cabinet has recently given its nod to three significant decisions that. Are set to have a far-reaching impact on India's economy and social fabric. These approvals include a substantial financial allocation for Census 2027, a new policy to enhance transparency in coal supply, and a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for coconut farmers. These decisions underscore the government's commitment to reform and development across various sectors.

Census 2027: India's First Digital Census

The Cabinet has sanctioned a budget of ₹11,718 crore for Census 2027, while this will mark India's first digital census, meticulously designed with data protection as a paramount concern. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw elaborated that this census will be conducted in two distinct phases, while the initial phase, spanning from April to September 2026, will focus on house listing and the housing census. Following this, the second phase, scheduled for February 2027, will concentrate on population enumeration. This digital initiative is expected to Notably enhance the efficiency and. Accuracy of the census process, leveraging modern technology for comprehensive data collection.

Data Sharing and Employment Generation

Efforts will be made to make the results of Census 2027 available across the country in the shortest possible time. The plan includes releasing census outcomes with extensive visualization tools, making the data more accessible and easier to comprehend for a wider audience. Crucially, the census data will be shared with all stakeholders down to the lowest administrative unit, specifically at the village/ward level, while this granular data sharing is intended to facilitate local-level planning and policy implementation, empowering grassroots governance. For the successful execution of this massive undertaking, approximately 18,600 technical personnel will be deployed at the local level for about 550 days, generating an estimated 1, while 02 crore human-days of employment. On top of that, the provision of technical manpower at the charge/district/state level will contribute to capacity building,. Particularly in digital data handling, monitoring, and coordination, preparing the workforce for future digital challenges.

CoalSETU Policy: Enhancing Transparency in Coal Supply

The Union Cabinet has also approved the CoalSETU policy, aimed at increasing transparency and efficiency in coal supply. Providing details on this policy, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that any domestic buyer can now participate in the linkage auction, while this move is expected to foster greater competition in the coal market, ensuring a more equitable distribution of resources. Also, coal linkage holders will be permitted to export up to 50 percent of their coal, which could provide them with better value for their produce and enhance their market reach. However, to prevent market manipulation and ensure fair practices, traders won't be allowed to participate in this process, a critical safeguard embedded within the policy.

MSP for Copra-2026 Season

The third significant decision involves granting policy approval for the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for the Copra-2026 season, while this decision has been made specifically in the interest of coconut farmers. The announcement of MSP will guarantee a fair price for their produce,. Thereby stabilizing their income and encouraging them to invest further in coconut cultivation. This measure is expected to bolster the agricultural economy in the coconut-producing. Regions of the country, providing much-needed support and impetus to the farming community.