India's Central Policy Pulse: Key Government Initiatives (June 16th-30th, 2025)

A comprehensive article covering all key initiatives, projects, schemes and developments from the Central Government and Governments across the country.

Welcome to a comprehensive review of India's policy landscape, covering the significant economic and governmental decisions enacted by the Central Government between June 16 and June 30, 2025. This article brings you the key insights into pivotal developments across various sectors, including economic growth, infrastructure, human development, national security, and agriculture, highlighting the nation's ongoing progress and strategic initiatives during this dynamic period.

I. Economic Growth and Structural Reforms:

A. Policy Updates -

1. India Opens Doors to Global EV Giants with Portal Launch under SPMEPCI - Ministry of Heavy Industries: The Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) has launched the portal for the Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Electric Passenger Cars in India (SPMEPCI) to boost EV manufacturing in India. Approved applicants can import e-4W Completely Built-up Units (CBUs) worth over $35,000 at a reduced 15% customs duty for five years, if they invest at least ₹4,150 crore. This will attract FDI and position India as a trusted global hub for next-generation automotive manufacturing.

2. Import Restrictions on Precious Metal Alloys & Compounds Containing Gold - Ministry of Commerce and Industry: The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has tightened import rules on precious metals by restricting Palladium, Rhodium, Iridium alloys with over 1% gold, and extended this to all of Custom Tariff Heading (CTH) 7110 for policy consistency. Restrictions also apply to CTH 2843 to curb disguised gold imports, while industrial use remains allowed with authorization. These steps aim to close loopholes and ensure uniform regulation of precious metal imports.

II. Infrastructure, Technology and Sustainability :

A. Policy Updates -

1. Launch of City Accelerator Program to Promote Rooftop Solar in Indian Cities - Ministry of New and Renewable Energy: The Urban Rooftop Solar (RTS) Programme, a collaboration between MNRE and Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation (SSEF), was launched as part of the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. It aims to promote urban rooftop solar adoption through technical support and policy assistance, initially in 30 cities, expanding to 100, with dedicated teams for monitoring.

2. Railways Rationalizes Train Fares - Ministry of Railways: The Ministry of Railways has rationalized basic passenger train fares, increasing fares for both AC and Non-AC classes. Importantly, suburban single journey fares and season tickets remain unchanged, and ancillary charges like reservation fees and superfast surcharges are unaffected. The revised fares apply to tickets booked from July 1, 2025, onwards. The last revision in passenger fares happened in January 2020, and this move aims to improve the financial stability of railway passenger services.

3. Modernizing Ticketing System In Railways - Ministry of Railways: Indian Railways is modernizing its ticketing with early charting (8 hours prior) and a new, high-capacity Passenger Reservation System (PRS) capable of generating about five times the current capacity of 32,000 tickets in a minute. The updated technology offering multilingual support for diverse groups is to be ready by year-end. From July 2025, Tatkal tickets will require Aadhaar or DigiLocker authentication for enhanced security. This modernization ensures that the Ticket Enquiry Capacity will rise tenfold from 4 lakh to 40 lakh inquiries per minute in the new PRS System.

B. Announcements -

1. Launching India Energy Stack - Ministry of Power: The Ministry of Power has launched a taskforce to conceive India Energy Stack (IES) that will offer real-time data sharing, unique IDs, and open APIs to enhance grid efficiency, consumer empowerment, and renewable integration. A 12-month pilot, including the Utility Intelligence Platform in Delhi, Mumbai, and Gujarat, will test its application. This initiative will play a vital role in integrating renewable energy, enhancing Distribution Company (DISCOM) efficiency, and delivering transparent, reliable, and future-ready power services.

2. Inaugurating Battery Energy Storage System Facility - Ministry of New and Renewable Energy: Union Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi inaugurated a 5 GWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) facility in Bengaluru by PACE Digitek, one of India's largest, to boost grid stability, renewable integration, and support the 500 GW non-fossil fuel target by 2030. Backed by ₹5,400 crore in new Viability Gap Funding, the plant will reduce imports, create jobs, and increase energy self-sufficiency with ₹4.79 lakh crore investment expected in storage by 2032.

3. Launch Of Bharat Project Initiative - Ministry of Commerce and Industry: The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and YourStory Media have launched the "Bharat Project" to promote inclusive entrepreneurship in Tier II, III, and rural areas. The initiative aims to empower 1 million entrepreneurs using AI tools, regional content, and digital platforms, while supporting innovation and founder-investor engagement in emerging tech sectors.

4. PMAY Urban 2.0 - Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs: The Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs has approved 2.35 lakh houses under PMAY-Urban 2.0 across nine states, bringing the total sanctioned to 7.10 lakh houses. These approvals, primarily under Beneficiary Led Construction (BLC) and Affordable Housing in Partnership (AHP), prioritize women's housing security (over 1.25 lakh houses) and transgender inclusivity (44 houses), alongside significant allocations for SC, ST, and OBC communities. This substantial push contributes to the goal of 1 crore pucca houses for urban poor/middle-class families with central assistance of up to ₹2.5 lakh per unit.

5. Decarbonizing India's Fertilizer Sector - Ministry of New and Renewable Energy: The Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI) has issued a high-impact, ongoing tender for 724,000 tonnes of Green Ammonia annually to decarbonize India's fertilizer sector. Under the SIGHT Scheme Mode 2A, Tranche I, SECI will aggregate demand and sign 10-year offtake agreements with producers. This initiative directly replaces fossil fuel-based ammonia, reduces natural gas import dependence, and cuts trade deficits.

6. Upgrading Inland Waterways in Bihar - Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways: Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal announced major inland waterways upgrades in Bihar, including a Water Metro in Patna, a ship repair hub, and the National Inland Navigation Institute (NINI)'s upgrade to a Centre of Excellence. Plans also include 16 jetties, Ro-Pax terminals, hybrid vessels, and a Joint Task Force for Ganga development aiming to boost clean transport, jobs, and training also promoting environmental sustainability and creating new employment and training opportunities.

7. IWAI's announcements on Inland Waterway Transport Sector - Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Railways: The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) approved four new jetties in Assam to boost trade, tourism, and connectivity in the Northeast, alongside a training hub at Bogibeel to address manpower gaps under the Inland Vessels Act, 2021. A new multi-storey facility in Guwahati will house IWAI's regional office and a Maritime Skill Centre, enhancing efficiency and capacity.

8. Approval of Electronic Manufacturing Cluster (EMC 2.0) - Ministry of Electronics and IT: The Government has approved a 200-acre, ₹417 crore, Electronics Manufacturing Cluster (EMC 2.0) in Gautam Buddha Nagar, UP, developed by Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA). This project expects to attract ₹2,500 crore in investment, create 15,000 jobs, and promote local electronics manufacturing, positioning India as a global production hub.

III. Human Development and Social Welfare :

A. Policy Updates -

1. EPFO Enhances Auto-Settlement Limit for Advance Claims to 5 Lakhs - Ministry of Labour and Employment: The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has enhanced its auto-settlement limit for advance claims from ₹1 lakh to ₹5 lakh, covering purposes like illness, education, marriage, and housing. This change provides faster and larger access to funds for members during urgent needs, reducing manual intervention, minimizing grievances, improving overall service experience and ease of access.

2. Extension of Gratuity Benefits under Unified Pension Scheme - Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions: Central Government employees opting for the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) under the National Pension Scheme (NPS) are now eligible for retirement and death gratuity benefits. This clarification, issued by the Department of Pension and Pensioners' Welfare, ensures parity of gratuity benefits for employees shifting to UPS.

3. Launch of 'NAVYA' for Adolescent Girls - Ministry of Women and Child Development: The Government of India is launching 'NAVYA', a joint pilot initiative between the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) and the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE). This program aims to provide vocational training, particularly in non-traditional job roles, to adolescent girls aged 16-18 with a minimum Class 10 qualification, across 27 Districts in 19 States. This initiative was launched to make India inclusive and self-reliant as well as lays the foundation for economic participation of young women in India's growth journey.

B. Announcements -

1. Launching 'Skills for the Future' Report - Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship: Union Minister Shri Jayant Chaudhary released the "Skills for the Future" report, highlighting that 88% of India's workforce is in low-competency roles. Using PLFS 2023-24 data, it identifies five key sectors driving 66% of vocational training and urges evidence-based reforms, better data systems, and industry incentives. The report offers a high-impact roadmap to boost employability, productivity, and education industry alignment.

2. Tripartite MoU for Inclusive Education of Persons with Disabilities - Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment: The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS), and National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) signed an MoU to promote inclusive education aligned with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act 2016 and National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. NIOS will establish Special Accredited Institutions for Education of the Divyangjan (SAIEDs), while NCERT will adapt curriculum and textbooks for accessibility. A Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) will oversee implementation, aiming to enhance foundational education for students with disabilities to facilitate their entry into premier institutions and accelerate infrastructure upgrades like accessible toilets to reduce dropout rates.

IV. National Security and Foreign Policy :

A. Policy Updates -

1. Joint Command System for the Defence Forces - Ministry of Defence: Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh empowered the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and Secretary, Department of Military Affairs (DMA), to issue Joint Instructions and Joint Orders for the Army, Navy, and Air Force replacing the earlier system of separate orders. The first Joint Order was issued on June 24, 2025, enhancing coordination and streamlining command across the three services.

B. Announcement

1. QUAD Nations Launch First-Ever 'At Sea Observer Mission' - Ministry of Defence: The Coast Guards of India, Japan, the United States, and Australia have launched a first of its kind "QUAD at Sea Ship Observer Mission". This mission, an outcome of the Wilmington Declaration and the September 2024 QUAD Leaders' Summit, aims to boost joint readiness, operational coordination, and domain awareness, reinforcing the vision of a Free, Open, Inclusive, and Rules-Based Indo-Pacific. India's participation aligns with its SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision.

2. Induction of Fast Patrol Vehicle - Ministry of Defence: Inducted on June 26, 2025, "Adamya" is the first Fast Patrol Vessel of its class built by Goa Shipyard Limited for the Indian Coast Guard. Featuring Controllable Pitch Propellers and indigenous gearboxes, it offers superior maneuverability. Equipped with advanced weapons and systems like IBS, IPMS, and APMS, it enhances operational efficiency. Fully made in India, 'Adamya' strengthens India's Coastal Security and it includes faster interdiction of suspicious vessels and greater operational control in shallow and high-threat zones.

3. Completion of Emergency Procurement Contracts - Ministry of Defence: The Ministry of Defence has completed thirteen emergency procurement contracts valued at nearly ₹2,000 crore to enhance the Indian Army's counter-terrorism capabilities. These procurements were fast-tracked to rapidly boost operational readiness.

4. Commissioning of INS Arnala - Ministry of Defence: The INS Arnala, the first of 16 indigenously built Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), has been commissioned into the Eastern Naval Command. It strengthens the Indian Navy's ASW capabilities in shallow waters, supporting its Blue Water Navy ambitions and long-term maritime self-reliance.

5. Commissioning Stealth Frigate - Ministry of Defence: The Indian Navy will commission its new stealth frigate, "Tamal," in Russia on July 1, 2025. This Krivak class frigate, the second of the upgraded Tushil Class, is the last warship to be inducted from a foreign source, featuring 26% indigenous components including the BrahMos missile. This augments the Indian Navy's combat capabilities, especially for the Western Fleet, and marks a crucial step towards our self-reliance in naval shipbuilding. Two other similar frigates are also being built domestically with Russian assistance, aiming for ten ships with common capabilities across four classes.

V. Rural and Agricultural Transformation -

A. Policy Updates :

1. Update in Price Support Scheme - Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare: The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare has approved the procurement of Moong and Urad in Madhya Pradesh, and Urad in Uttar Pradesh under the Price Support Scheme (PSS), following Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan's discussions with state ministers. Officials are directed to utilize the latest technologies for farmer registration and expand procurement centers as needed. This acts as a safety net against market fluctuations, aligns with the vision of doubling farmers' income and Kisan Kalyan, and minimizes middlemen and storage irregularities.

2. Promotion of Agroforestry - Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change: The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change has issued Model Rules for Felling of Trees in Agricultural Lands. It simplifies regulatory procedures to promote agroforestry, enhance rural livelihoods, and reduce dependency on natural forests. By streamlining permissions through digital tools like the National Timber Management System (NTMS), the initiative improves traceability, encourages sustainable timber production, and supports climate resilience. It also boosts ease of doing business for farmers and strengthens India's wood-based industry by ensuring a reliable domestic supply.

B. Announcements -

1. Establishment of International Potato Centre - Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare: The Union Cabinet has approved the establishment of the International Potato Centre (CIP)’s South Asia Regional Centre (CSARC) in Singna, Agra, Uttar Pradesh. This center will focus on developing high-yielding, nutrient-rich, and climate-resilient varieties of potato and sweetpotato to increase food and nutrition security, boost farmers' income, and create jobs through improved productivity, post-harvest management, and value-addition, aligning with Prime Minister Shri Narendr Modi ji’s vision of doubling farmers' income.

VI. Miscellaneous Policy Updates :

1. ECI to Delist 345 Unrecognized Political Parties - Election Commission of India

   The Election Commission of India (ECI) has initiated proceedings to delist 345 Registered Unrecognized Political Parties (RUPPs) that have failed to contest any election since 2019 and whose offices cannot be physically located. This action, part of a nationwide cleanup effort, aims to ensure political parties meet essential registration conditions.

2. Bihar Electoral Poll - Election Commission of India

   The Election Commission of India (ECI) has begun a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Bihar's Electoral Rolls, with July 1, 2025, as the qualifying date. This aims for accurate, transparent rolls by including eligible citizens and removing ineligible ones via Booth Level Officer (BLO) house surveys and Assistant Electoral Registration Officer (AERO)/Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) verification.

3. Delegation to South Africa - Ministry of Defence

   At the 9th Joint Defence Committee meeting in Johannesburg Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh led the Indian delegation, with South Africa represented by Acting Secretary Dr. Thobekile Gamede. Two submarine cooperation agreements were exchanged, reinforcing structured bilateral engagement, promoting maritime security, and positioning India as a key defence partner in Africa through institutional mechanisms and indigenous capabilities.

4. PM Shri Narendra Modi meets the President of Republic of Cyprus - Prime Minister’s Office

   PM Modi and Cyprus President Christodoulides reaffirmed mutual support and signed a five-year roadmap to boost ties in fintech, AI, defence, startups, and mobility. They launched cyber and maritime security dialogues and praised the 2025 Defence Cooperation Programme. The leaders backed the India-Greece-Cyprus Business Council to deepen trade and support.

VI. Key Takeaways -

Exploring more into the fortnight's policy landscape, several critical themes emerge, shaping India's trajectory across various sectors. These pivotal developments underscore the government's strategic focus and proactive measures during this period. Here are our key takeaways for the week -

1. Driving Economic Growth and Modernization: The government is actively pursuing strategies to boost economic growth and attract investment, particularly in emerging sectors. This includes initiatives like tightening import regulations on precious metals to ensure fair trade practices and launching a significant scheme to promote domestic Electric Vehicle (EV) manufacturing by offering incentives to global players. Simultaneously, efforts are underway to modernize infrastructure, such as rationalizing railway fares and significantly upgrading ticketing systems for increased efficiency and capacity.

2. Investing in Sustainable Infrastructure and Technology: A strong emphasis is placed on developing sustainable infrastructure and leveraging technology for national progress. This is demonstrated through programs like boosting rooftop solar adoption under the PM Surya Ghar scheme, aiming to decarbonize key sectors like fertilizer production with green ammonia tenders, and the inauguration of large-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems to integrate renewable energy. Furthermore, the launch of the India Energy Stack and the approval of new Electronic Manufacturing Clusters underscore a push towards digital transformation and making India a global manufacturing hub.

3. Prioritizing Human Development and Social Welfare: Significant advancements are being made in human development and social welfare, aiming to improve citizens' quality of life and access to essential services. This includes increasing auto-settlement limits for EPFO advance claims to provide faster financial relief, extending gratuity benefits to employees under the Unified Pension Scheme, and launching vocational training programs like 'NAVYA' for adolescent girls to empower them with new skills for the future workforce. Initiatives for inclusive education for persons with disabilities further highlight this focus.

4. Strengthening National Security and Foreign Policy: The period saw crucial developments in enhancing national security and fostering strategic international relations. This includes strengthening defence forces through a new Joint Command System, inducting modern naval assets like the INS Arnala and the stealth frigate 'Tamal,' and completing emergency procurement contracts to bolster military capabilities. Moreover, active participation in international collaborations like the "QUAD at Sea Ship Observer Mission" and strengthening bilateral ties, such as with South Africa and Cyprus, reinforce India's growing global presence and strategic partnerships.

5. Transforming Rural and Agricultural Sectors: The government is implementing targeted policies to bring about significant transformation in rural areas and the agricultural sector. This involves providing vital support to farmers by adding new crops to the Price Support Scheme, thereby offering a safety net against market fluctuations. Additionally, regulatory changes are being introduced to promote agroforestry, and the establishment of an International Potato Centre aims to boost agricultural productivity, food security, and farmers' incomes through research and development.

In conclusion, the period from June 16 to June 30, 2025, underscores a dynamic phase for India, marked by comprehensive policy implementations and strategic announcements across critical sectors. From accelerating economic growth and modernizing infrastructure to prioritizing human development, bolstering national security, and transforming agriculture, the government's multi-faceted approach aims to drive sustained progress and resilience. These concerted efforts reflect a clear vision for an inclusive, technologically advanced, and secure India, poised for continued growth and global leadership.