UP govt to launch affordable rural transport service

Uttar Pradesh government would soon launch a rural transport service to provide safe and affordable conveyance to residents of rural areas.
A decision to start Lohia Rural Transport Service was taken during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, an official spokesman said here.
A rebate of upto 25 per cent in fare would be given to those who will avail the transport service.
The fleet would have 1,500 buses and each bus would travel around 250 km to 270 km every day, the spokesman said adding that it was decided in the meeting to allocate Rs 90 crore in the current fiscal for the purchase of new buses, construction of bus stations and other capital expenditure.

In the coming financial years, a grant of Rs 215 crore would be given to the UP State Road Transport Corporation.
The Cabinet also approved guiding principles to felicitate NRIs hailing from the state with UP Ratna Award.

The NRIs, who have made significant contribution to the field of science, technology, culture, medicine, education, public service and commerce in foreign countries, would be conferred with the award. The awardees would be felicitated with a shawl, citation certificate and memento.
A grant of Rs 622.99 crore was sanctioned for compensation against land acquisition for Samaan Bird Sanctuary at Mainpuri.
The Cabinet decided to provide 30 acres of land to Software Technology Parks of India on lease for a period of 30 years for setting up an IT park in Meerut.

It also fixed molasses policy for session 2014-15. As per the policy, 15 per cent of the molasses produced by the sugar mills would be kept in reserve.
An additional grant of 45 per cent to small and marginal farmers for setting up of solar photovoltaic irrigation pumps was also consented to. This would be in addition to the package given by the Central government.