The Indian Union Cabinet has approved a series of significant financial outlays across critical sectors, including a substantial extension of a farmer income support scheme, a major investment in offshore oil and gas exploration, and a new programme to boost floating solar power generation. These decisions highlight the government's multi-pronged approach to agricultural welfare, energy security, and the expansion of renewable energy capacity.

The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme has received an extension until the fiscal year 2030-31, underpinned by an approved outlay of ₹3.15 lakh crore. This continued commitment ensures that eligible farmers nationwide will keep receiving an annual financial assistance of ₹6,000. The funds are disbursed directly into beneficiaries' bank accounts via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), a mechanism designed to enhance transparency and efficiency in aid delivery. Since its inception in February 2019, the PM-KISAN scheme has already channeled more than ₹4.47 lakh crore directly to farmers through 23 instalments, providing vital income support to the country's agricultural community. The scheme is a cornerstone of the government's efforts to alleviate financial stress among farmers and supplement their incomes.

In a strategic move to bolster domestic energy production and reduce reliance on imports, the Cabinet also gave its assent to the 'Samudra Manthan' National Offshore Exploration Scheme. This initiative comes with a substantial allocation of ₹84,084 crore, earmarked to significantly enhance India's offshore oil and gas output. The scheme is expected to intensify exploration activities in India's vast maritime territories, tapping into new reserves and contributing to the nation's long-term energy independence. The investment reflects a renewed focus on leveraging indigenous resources to meet the country's growing energy demands.

Furthering India's clean energy agenda, the Cabinet approved the Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana. This scheme is specifically designed to promote and facilitate the installation of floating solar power plants across the country. The programme sets an ambitious target of establishing 5,000 megawatts (MW) of solar energy capacity on various water bodies by the financial year 2030-31. Floating solar technology offers several advantages, including reduced land usage compared to traditional ground-mounted solar farms, improved efficiency due to cooler panel temperatures from water body proximity, and reduced water evaporation from reservoirs. This initiative aims to harness underutilised water surfaces for renewable energy generation, contributing significantly to India's climate goals and renewable energy targets.

Collectively, these cabinet approvals represent a substantial commitment to key sectors of the Indian economy and society. They aim to address immediate welfare needs for a large segment of the population, secure the nation's energy future, and advance its environmental sustainability objectives through diversified and strategic investments.