(ET)
The cabinet significantly eased entry barriers in the state-dominated petrol pump business to encourage competition from Indian and foreign firms. It also approved a revival package for state-owned telecom companies Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd (MTNL) that aims at the eventual merger of the withering former monopolies.
It also raised the minimum support price (MSP) for rabi, or winter sown, crops by 5-7% to increase rural incomes by giving giving a higher assured price at which state agencies buy crops such as wheat, pulses and oilseeds. The cabinet also approved a bill to regularise unauthorised Delhi colonies on more than 175 sq km, which will give 4 million people better civic amenities and ownership rights.
