In a significant move to bolster India's industrial infrastructure and the 'Make in India' initiative, the Union Cabinet has approved the Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojna (BHAVYA). This ambitious scheme, with a total financial outlay of ₹33,660 crore, is designed to facilitate the rapid setup of industries by providing ready-to-use infrastructure.
Key Highlights of the BHAVYA Scheme:
- Scale and Scope: The government plans to develop 100 plug-and-play industrial parks across various states. These parks will be equipped with pre-cleared land, power, water, and waste management facilities.
- Plug-and-Play Model: The "plug-and-play" concept allows businesses to start operations immediately without waiting for lengthy land acquisition or basic infrastructure development, significantly improving the Ease of Doing Business.
- Investment and Employment: The scheme aims to attract massive Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and domestic investment, with the potential to create over 10 lakh direct and indirect jobs in the manufacturing sector.
- Strategic Locations: The parks will be strategically located near major transport corridors and logistics hubs to ensure seamless connectivity and reduced logistics costs.
Other Major Cabinet Approvals (March 19-20, 2026):
Alongside the BHAVYA scheme, the Union Cabinet also cleared several other key proposals relevant for competitive exams:
- Small Hydro Power (SHP) Development Scheme: Approved for a period of five years (FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31) with an outlay of ₹2,584.60 crore. It targets projects between 1 MW to 25 MW to boost renewable energy in border and hilly regions.
- RELIEF Scheme for Exporters: A ₹497-crore Resilience & Logistics Intervention for Export Facilitation (RELIEF) scheme was launched to provide credit insurance and support to exporters affected by the ongoing West Asia crisis.
- MSP Support for Cotton: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved ₹1,718.56 crore for the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) to ensure Minimum Support Price (MSP) operations for the 2023-24 season.
Significance for Competitive Exams:
For students appearing in UPSC, SSC, and Banking exams, these developments are crucial under the Indian Economy, Infrastructure, and Government Schemes sections. The BHAVYA scheme represents a shift toward integrated industrial clusters, while the SHP scheme aligns with India's Net Zero 2070 goals and energy security strategy amid global geopolitical tensions in the Gulf region.