Cabinet Approves Rs 1.6B Scheme for Irrigation Modernisation

17 Apr 2025 CW Team

The Union Cabinet has approved the Modernisation of Command Area Development and Water Management (M-CADWM) scheme as a sub-scheme under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY). With a budget of Rs 1.6 billion, the initiative will be implemented from 2025-26 and aims to improve irrigation infrastructure across India.

The main goal is to modernise irrigation networks so that water from canals and other sources reaches farming clusters more efficiently. According to the Ministry of Jal Shakti, this will especially help small landholding farmers by improving water-use efficiency through smart technologies like SCADA and IoT. These systems will enable better water accounting and farm-level management.

One of the scheme’s key features is the rollout of underground pressurised piped irrigation systems, which will cover up to one hectare per farm. This is expected to strengthen micro-irrigation and boost productivity.

The scheme also promotes sustainable farming by transferring irrigation management responsibilities to Water User Societies (WUS). These societies will be supported for five years and connected with Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) or Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS) to ensure long-term success.

The Ministry added that the scheme will also encourage youth participation in agriculture by promoting the use of modern irrigation technologies and creating new opportunities in the sector.

Infrastructure Urban

16 Oct 2025

Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurates ICAR-IIMR admin block in Ludhiana

Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan recently inaugurated the administrative building at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research – Indian Institute of Maize Research (ICAR-IIMR) in Ludhiana, Punjab. During the visit, he interacted with maize stakeholders, farmers, rural development scheme beneficiaries, and women self-help group (SHG) members. He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government’s key goals include boosting foodgrain production, reducing input costs, and improving farmers’ incomes. He highlighted the importance of div..

Google to Build Rs 10,000 Cr Data Centre in Visakhapatnam

In a major boost to India’s digital infrastructure, Google will establish a 1-GW hyperscale data centre and Artificial Intelligence (AI) hub in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The project, valued at Rs 100 billion, is expected to significantly contribute to the state’s economy and create more than 20,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities. Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Education, Dr Pemmasani Chandrasekhar, highlighted that this landmark investment by Google will help position Andhra Pradesh as a prominent digital hub under the “Swarandhra Pradesh” vision. ..

TCIL honoured with HR Excellence Award 2025

Telecommunications Consultants India Limited (TCIL), a Miniratna Schedule ‘A’ PSU under the Department of Telecommunications, has been honoured with the HR Excellence Award at the Fortune Leadership Awards 2025, held at Radisson Blu Plaza, Delhi. The accolade acknowledges TCIL’s outstanding HR practices promoting employee development, innovation, and inclusivity. The award was presented by Dr. Dinesh Upadhyay, Former Member, Ministry of AYUSH, and Shri M. S. Nethrapal, IRS, and received by Shri P. Suresh Babu, CGM (HR), in the presence of distinguished leaders from various sectors. Bet..