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October 2025

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Highlights of this Issue

Repo rate kept unchanged at 5.5%

RBI’s Monetary Policy Committee voted to maintain the repo rate at 5.5%.  The standing deposit facility rate, marginal standing facility rate and bank rate also remain unchanged.

Consumer Price Index inflation was 1.7% in the second quarter of 2025-26

Inflation in the second quarter of 2025-26 was lower than the corresponding quarter last year (4.3%).   Food prices declined by 1.6% in the second quarter of 2025-26.

Cabinet approves terms of reference of the Eighth Central Pay Commission

While making its recommendations, the Commission shall keep in view the country's economic conditions, fiscal prudence, adequacy of resources and impact on state finances.

Comments invited on the Draft Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2025

The draft Bill allows network sharing among distribution licensees operating in the same area.  It mandates cost-reflective tariff and removal of certain cross-subsidies.  It also provides for establishing an Electricity Council.

Cabinet approves a mission to boost domestic production of pulses

The Union Cabinet approved a Mission for self-sufficiency in pulses.  The Mission will be implemented over a six-year period, from 2025-26 to 2030-31, with a financial outlay of Rs 11,440 crore. 

Comments invited on Draft National Labour and Employment Policy

The draft Policy aims to increase female labour force participation rate, facilitate technology and green transitions, improve ease of compliance and formalisation, and achieve near zero workplace fatalities.

IT Rules on issuance of content removal orders amended

The amendments require senior-level authorisation for content removal, reasoned intimation, and periodic review of all such orders issued under the IT Rules, 2021.

Comments invited on draft IT Rules on synthetically generated information

The draft Rules mandate labelling of synthetically generated information.  They also require users to declare if they are uploading synthetically generated information. 

Amendments notified to PLI scheme for textiles

Key changes include reduction in minimum investment thresholds, a lower turnover criterion, and expansion of eligible product categories. 

Draft Rules under the National Sports Governance Act, 2025 released

The draft Rules specify details for constitution of the National Sports Board, the National Sports Tribunal, and national sports governance bodies.

Standing Committees of Parliament have identified issues to examine

Topics include evaluation of DBT schemes for fertilisers, self-sufficiency of APIs for drugs, implementation of laws affecting the media, and census criteria for defining urban areas.


 

Macroeconomic Development

Shania Ali (shania@prsindia.org)

RBI maintains repo rate at 5.5% 

The Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted to maintain the policy repo rate (the rate at which RBI lends money to banks for short-term needs) at 5.5%.[1]  Other decisions of the MPC include:

  • The standing deposit facility rate (the rate at which RBI borrows from banks without giving collateral) has been kept unchanged at 5.25%.

  • The marginal standing facility rate (rate at which banks can borrow additional overnight funds from RBI) and the bank rate (rate at which RBI lends money to commercial banks for the long term) have also been kept unchanged at 5.75%.

  • RBI increased its projection for real GDP growth for 2025-26 from 6.5% to 6.8%.

  • The MPC decided to continue with its neutral stance.

CPI inflation averaged 1.7% in the second quarter of 2025-26

Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation was 1.7% in the second quarter (July-September) of 2025-26, lower than the same quarter last year (4.3%).[2]  In the first quarter (April-June) of 2025-26, CPI inflation was 2.7%. 

Food prices declined by 1.6% in the second quarter of 2025-26, compared to a 6.8% rise in the corresponding quarter of 2024-25.  In the first quarter of 2025-26, food inflation was 0.6%.  

Figure 1: Monthly inflation in Q2 of 2025-26 (% change, year-on-year)

 image

Sources: Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation; Ministry of Commerce and Industry; PRS.

Wholesale Price Index (WPI) inflation averaged 0.02% in the second quarter of 2025-26, lower than 1.8% in the corresponding quarter of 2024-25.[3]  In the first quarter of 2025-26, WPI inflation was 0.3%. 

 

Finance

Shania Ali (shania@prsindia.org)

Cabinet approves the terms of reference of the Eighth Central Pay Commission

The Union Cabinet approved the terms of reference of the Eighth Central Pay Commission.[4]  Central Pay Commissions are constituted periodically to make recommendations on salaries and other service conditions of central government employees.  The Eighth Central Pay Commission was announced in January 2025.  The Commission is required to submit its report within 18 months of being constituted, keeping in view the following: (i) economic conditions in the country and the need for fiscal prudence, (ii) need to ensure adequacy of resources for developmental expenditure and welfare measures, (iii) unfunded cost of non-contributory pension schemes, (iv) possible impact on the finances of state governments as usually they adopt the recommendations with some modifications, and (v) the prevailing salaries and service conditions of central public sector undertakings and the private sector.  The recommendations are likely to come into effect from January 1, 2026.

RBI announces several changes in banking regulations

RBI announced several measures in relation to the banking sector.[5]  Key changes include:

  • Risk based premium framework for deposit insurance:  Currently, banks are charged a premium of 12 paise per Rs 100 of assessable deposits regardless of their financial soundness.  Assessable deposits are types of bank deposits that are covered under a deposit insurance system.  RBI has proposed a risk-based premium model.  This will help banks that are sounder to save significantly on the premium paid.

  • Review of capital market guidelines for banks:  Capital market exposures (CME) of banks include investment in securities, lending against securities and lending to capital market intermediaries (CMI) such as stock brokers.  These are subject to regulations including those related to sectoral exposure limits, single borrower limits, and margin requirements.  Further, banks are generally not allowed to finance acquisition of shares.  

RBI has released a draft of the updated CME guidelines for commercial banks.  The draft outlines ceilings for CME for banks.[6]  Banks may extend loans for acquisition of or against collateral of securities as per their approved policy.  Loans are not permitted against certain securities such as partly paid shares, bonds and money market instruments issued by banks, and own securities.   Banks may also lend to individuals to subscribe to shares during a public offering, provided that these borrowers contribute a minimum cash margin of 25%.  

Loans to CMIs to fund their day-to-day operations must comply with the following provisions: (i) only CMIs registered and regulated by a financial sector regulator will be eligible, (ii) eligible securities and cash collateral should belong to the borrower, (iii) banks will not fund acquisition of securities by CMIs, and (iv) banks will not accept securities as collateral in which market making operations are carried out by CMIs.  Market making operations provide liquidity in the market.  Banks may now extend loans to Indian companies to finance acquisitions, subject to a specified threshold.    

Similar guidelines have been issued for small finance banks.[7]  Comments are invited until November 21, 2025.

  • Withdrawal of guidelines on enhancing credit supply for large borrowers:  These guidelines were issued in August 2016 to address concentration risk arising from aggregate credit exposure of banks to a single large corporate borrower.  It aimed to encourage such borrowers to seek funding from alternative sources.  These guidelines are now proposed to be withdrawn.[8]  Concentration risk at individual bank-level is addressed through a different framework.   

  • Review of external commercial borrowing (ECB) framework:  Amendments to the Foreign Exchange Management (Borrowing and Lending) Regulations, 2018, have been proposed to: (i) expand the base of borrowers and lenders eligible for ECB, (ii) link borrowing limits to a borrower’s financial strength, (iii) propose raising of such debt at market determined rates, and (iv) simplify end-use restrictions, minimum average maturity requirements, and reporting requirements.[9]  

  • Lending in rupee to persons outside India:  Authorised Dealer banks in India and their overseas branches have been permitted to lend in Indian Rupees to persons resident in Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka to facilitate cross-border trade.[10]  

SEBI invites comments on amendments to mutual fund regulations

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) released a consultation paper on the proposed amendments to the SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996 (MF Regulations).[11],[12]  Key changes proposed are:

  • Changes to levies by Asset Management Companies (AMCs):  The amendments propose certain changes to charges levied by AMCs.  These include: (i) allowing AMCs to charge differential expense ratios based on the performance of a scheme, (ii) removing the additional expense of 0.05% that could be charged on mutual fund schemes where exit load was applicable, (iii) increasing the first two slabs of the expense ratio of open-ended active schemes by 0.05%, and (iv) excluding statutory levies such as GST and stamp duty from expense ratio limits.  Expense ratio refers to the annual fee a mutual fund charges to manage an investor’s money.  Exit load is a fee charged by mutual funds upon withdrawal of units before a specified minimum holding period.  Open-ended schemes do not have a fixed maturity period.  

  • Management of non-pooled funds:  AMCs may undertake investment management and advisory services for non-pooled funds by completing requisite registration with SEBI.   Non-pooled funds refer to arrangements wherein investor money is not combined in a common pool, but is managed separately.  In this case, AMCs will be subjected to compliance with additional conditions such as: (i) the unit providing such service shall operate as a distinct business unit with strict separation, (ii) the unit will institute mechanisms to prevent misuse of information obtained from mutual fund operations to benefit other client, and (iii) such an activity will be undertaken by the AMC only through a subsidiary.

Comments are invited by November 17, 2025.

PFRDA released consultation paper on enhancing the National Pension System

The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) released a consultation paper titled “Enhancing the National Pension System: Proposals for Flexible, Assured and Predictable Pension Schemes”.[13]  The National Pension System (NPS) is a defined contribution scheme wherein the amount contributed is fixed and the pension payout depends on returns generated by investments.  To address subscriber concerns related to adequacy of corpus and predictability of retirement income, PFRDA has proposed three schemes under NPS framework:

  • Pension Scheme-I:  This scheme aims to maximise pension wealth through a mix of a step-up systematic withdrawal plan (SWP) and an annuity.  The scheme requires a minimum accumulation period of 20 years, with no upper limit.  Payouts begin with a monthly SWP at 4.5% of the corpus annually, increasing by 0.25% each year for 10 years.  Then, beginning at age 70, an annuity is paid for at least 20 years and continues for life.  Annuity refers to a regular periodic payment.

  • Pension Scheme-II:  This scheme aims to provide a target pension with periodic adjustments with inflation-linked to the Consumer Price Index for industrial workers.  It requires a minimum accumulation period of 20 years, with no upper limit, and provides for a decumulation period of 25 years.  Decumulation phase refers to the post-retirement period during which the subscriber starts withdrawing money from accumulated investments.   Upon the subscriber’s death, the pension would be transferred to their spouse, and subsequently to other family members.  

  • Pension Scheme-III:  This scheme introduces Pension Credits, where each credit assures Rs 100 per month post-maturity.  It requires subscribers to provide inputs on the year of retirement, target pension amount, and security mix for investment.  The accumulation period is limited to 15 years while decumulation period is one to five years.  It also proposes a potential secondary market for trading pension credits.

 

Power

Ayush Stephen Toppo (ayush@prsindia.org)

Comments invited on draft amendments to the Electricity Act, 2003 

The Ministry of Power has invited comments on the draft Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2025.[14]  The Bill seeks to amend the Electricity Act, 2003.[15]  The 2003 Act consolidates laws related to generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity.   Key features of the draft Bill include:   

  • Network sharing among discoms: Under the Act, distribution licencees (discoms) operating in the same area must maintain separate networks.  The Bill proposes to remove this requirement.  It allows a discom to supply electricity using the network of another discom, subject to oversight by State Electricity Regulatory Commissions (SERCs).  It mandates that every discom must provide open and non-discriminatory access to its network to other discoms, subject to payment of charges determined by the SERC.

  • Cost-reflective tariff and removal of cross-subsidy: The 2003 Act provides that retail tariff for electricity must progressively reflect the cost of supply of electricity and that cross-subsidies must be reduced in a specified manner.  Cross-subsidy refers to the arrangement of one consumer category subsidising the consumption of another consumer category.  The Bill instead requires that the tariff must reflect cost of supply of electricity.  It also requires that cross-subsidies paid by manufacturing enterprises, railways, and metro be fully eliminated within five years of the commencement of the amendments.      

  • Exemption from supply obligation:  Electricity distribution licensees have a universal service obligation to supply power to all categories of consumers.  This obligation also covers consumers permitted to source power directly from generators.  These are consumers whose maximum power demand exceeds one megawatt.   The Bill allows SERCs to exempt a discom from such obligation for such consumers, in consultation with the state government.

  • Establishment of Electricity Council:  The Bill establishes an Electricity Council comprising union and state power ministers.  The Council will advise central and state governments on policy measures and coordinate the implementation of electricity sector reforms.   

Comments are invited until November 8, 2025. 

 

Agriculture

Vaishali Dhariwal (vaishali@prsindia.org)

Cabinet approves Mission to boost domestic production of pulses

The Union Cabinet approved a Mission to boost domestic production and achieve self-sufficiency in pulses.[16]  The Mission will be implemented over a six-year period, from 2025-26 to 2030-31, with a financial outlay of Rs 11,440 crore.  Key features of the scheme are as follows:   

  • Distribution of seeds: The Mission aims to develop and promote high-yielding, pest-resistant, and climate-resilient varieties of pulses.  By 2030-31, it targets: (i) distribution of 126 lakh quintals of certified seeds to farmers, (ii) expansion of the area under pulses cultivation to 310 lakh hectares, (iii) achieving production of 350 lakh tonnes, and (iv) an improvement in yield to 1,130 kg per hectare.  To support these goals, 88 lakh seed kits will be distributed free of cost to farmers.  States will prepare five-year rolling seed production plans.

  • Post harvest infrastructure: The Mission seeks to strengthen post-harvest infrastructure by establishing 1,000 processing units.  A subsidy of up to Rs 25 lakh will be provided for setting up processing and packaging units.

  • Assured procurement: The Mission provides for assured procurement of Tur, Urad, and Masoor under the Price Support Scheme, which aims to ensure stable prices for farmers.  The National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India and the National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India will carry out 100% procurement in participating states for the next four years from registered farmers. 

Cabinet approves support prices for Rabi crops for marketing season 2026-27

The Union Cabinet approved the minimum support prices (MSP) for rabi crops for the marketing season 2026-27.[17]  MSP refers to the assured price at which the central government procures crops from farmers.   Wheat saw an increase of 6.6% and gram of 4%.  MSP for safflower saw the largest increase of 10% over 2025-26 prices.  

Table 1: MSP for Rabi crops for 2026-27

Crops

2025-26

2026-27

% change

Wheat

2,425

2,585

6.6%

Gram

5,650

5,875

4%

Lentil (Masur)

6,700

7,000

4.5%

Rapeseed Mustard

5,950

6,200

4.2%

Safflower

5,940

6,540

10.1%

Sources: Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, October 1, 2025, PRS.

Cabinet approves subsidy rates on Phosphatic and Potassic fertilisers 

The Union Cabinet approved subsidy rates for phosphatic and potassic fertilisers for the Rabi season 2025-26 (October 2025 to March 2026).[18]  The budgetary outlay for the subsidy is estimated to be around Rs 37,952 crore.

 

Labour 

Vaishali Dhariwal (vaishali@prsindia.org)

Draft National Labour and Employment Policy released for public consultation

The Ministry of Labour and Employment released the draft National Labour and Employment Policy for public consultation.[19]  The Policy aims to increase female labour force participation and achieve near zero workplace fatalities.  The policy outlines seven objectives: (i) universal and portable social security, (ii) occupational safety and health, (iii) employment and future readiness, (iv) women and youth empowerment, (v) ease of compliance and formalisation, (vi) technology and green transition, and (vii) convergence and good governance.  It also positions the National Career Service as Digital Public Infrastructure for employment through job matching and credential verification.

Major initiatives proposed include: (i) creation of a Universal Social Security Account integrating EPFO, Employees State Insurance Corporation, and e-SHRAM databases, (ii) risk-based inspections under the Occupational Safety and Health Code, 2020, (iii) convergence of Skill India, National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme, and Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana into a single skill-employment continuum, and (iv) expansion of childcare, entrepreneurship, and flexible work measures to increase women’s labour force participation to 35% by 2030.  The policy also aims to ease compliance through a single-window digital compliance system and promote integration of AI into monitoring and governance capabilities. 

The policy will be implemented in three phases (2025–27, 2027–30, post-2030) through a three-tier structure.  This will comprise: (i) the National Labour and Employment Policy Implementation Council at the Union level, (ii) the State Labour Missions, and (iii) District Labour and Employment Resource Centres.

 

Communications

Ayush Stephen Toppo (ayush@prsindia.org) 

IT Rules on issuance of content removal orders amended

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has notified the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules, 2025.[20],[21]  These amend the IT Rules, 2021.[22]   The 2021 Rules lay down the process through which online intermediaries, such as social media platforms, may be directed to remove or restrict access to content.  Key features of the amendments include:

  • Senior-level authorisation for content removal: Under the 2021 Rules, an intermediary is required to disable access to any information stored, hosted or published in their platform upon receiving: (i) a court order or (ii) a direction by central or state government or its agencies.  The 2025 Rules adds that these directions will only be issued by a senior officer not below the rank of joint secretary or equivalent, or where such rank is not appointed, a director or an officer of equivalent rank.  In case of police authorities, only an officer of the rank of DIG or above will issue such directions.  

  • Reasoned order: The amendments add that each direction for removal must specify the legal basis of the direction, nature of unlawful act, and the precise location (such as URL) of the content to be removed.

  • Periodic review: The 2025 Rules also add that such directions will be subject to a monthly review by an officer of the rank of Secretary or above to the central or the state government.

Comments invited on draft amendments to IT rules on synthetically generated information 

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has invited comments on the draft Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules, 2025.[23]  These seek to amend the IT Rules, 2021.22  The draft Rules introduce obligations for online intermediaries and users with regard to synthetically generated information.   Synthetically generated information has been defined as any information that is artificially or algorithmically created, generated, modified or altered using a computer resource, in a manner that such information reasonably appears to be authentic.  Key changes proposed include:   

  • Labelling requirements:  Platforms that enable creation or modification of synthetically generated information must ensure labelling and permanent unique identifier for such information.   The label must be visibly displayed covering at least ten percent of surface area of the display.  In case of audio content, the identifier must be during the initial ten percent of the duration of the audio.  The intermediary should not enable modification, suppression or removal of such label.

  • User declaration for synthetically generated information and verification:  A significant social media intermediary must: (i) require users to declare whether the information they upload is synthetically generated, (ii) deploy reasonable measures to verify such declarations with regard to the nature, format, and source of the information, and (iii) ensure that any confirmed synthetically generated content carries a prominent label.  

Comments are invited until November 6, 2025.  

 

Sports

Vaishali Dhariwal (vaishali@prsindia.org)

Comments invited on draft Rules under the National Sports Governance Act, 2025

The Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs has released three set of draft Rules under the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, for public feedback.[24]  These relate to: (i) appointment of members to the National Sports Board, (ii) constitution of National Sports Bodies and their elections, and (iii) appointments to the National Sports Tribunal.[25],[26],[27]  Key features of these draft Rules include: 

  • National Sports Board: The Act establishes a National Sports Board.  The Board will grant recognition to the national sports bodies and register their affiliate units.  The draft Rules specify that the Board will comprise a chairperson and two other members, appointed by the central government.  A search-cum-selection committee will be constituted to recommend these appointments, headed by the Cabinet Secretary.  Board members will hold office for three years, and will be eligible for reappointment for one more term, subject to the age limit.

  • National Sports Bodies: General body of all sports bodies will have at least four sportspersons of outstanding merit.  The sports bodies will compile a list of male and female sportspersons before elections.  Elections to the Executive Committee will be conducted through secret ballot.  Electoral officers will be drawn from the National Sports Election Panel constituted by the central government.

  • National Sports Tribunal: The Act establishes a National Sports Tribunal to adjudicate sports-related disputes. The draft Rules specify that the Chairperson will hold office for four years, or until turning 70 years old.   Members will hold office for four years or until turning 67 years old.  All members will be eligible for reappointment for one more term, subject to the age limit.

Comments are invited until November 14, 2025.

 

Mining

Vaishali Dhariwal (vaishali@prsindia.org)

Intermediary timelines specified for execution of mining lease  

The Ministry of Mines has notified amendments to the Mineral (Auction) Rules, 2015.  These Rules have been issued under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.[28],[29],[30]  The 2015 Rules prescribe a timeframe of three years (extendable by two years) for executing a mining lease from the date of issuance of a letter of intent (LoI).  The 2025 Rules add following intermediary timelines: (i) approval of the mining plan within six months from the issuance of LoI, (ii) provision of environment clearance within 18 months of the approval of the mining plan, and (iii) execution of the mining lease within 12 months of the issuance of environment clearance.  For composite licences, execution will be required within 12 months of issuance of LoI.   A specified level of processing must be completed within 36 months post execution.  An amount of 1% of the bidder’s bank guarantee will be appropriated for each month of delay.

 

Industry

Ayush Stephen Toppo (ayush@prsindia.org) 

PLI scheme for textiles amended

The Ministry of Textiles has notified amendments to the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for textiles.[31],[32]  The scheme was launched in 2021.[33]  It aims to increase domestic production of certain products such as Man-Made Fibre (MMF) apparel, MMF fabrics, and technical textile products.  Key changes include:   

  • Reduction in investment threshold:  Earlier, the scheme required a minimum investment of Rs 300 crore and Rs 100 crore from manufacturers for part one (large projects) and part two (medium-scale projects) of the scheme, respectively.  The amendments reduce the thresholds to Rs 150 crore and Rs 50 crore, respectively.    

  • Lower turnover criteria:   To qualify for incentives, manufacturers were previously required to record a minimum 25% increase in the turnover over the previous year.  The amendments reduce this criterion to 10% from the financial year 2025–26 (applicable from the second year onwards).

  • Expansion of eligible product categories:  The amendments expand eligible product categories to include eight new categories under the MMF apparel and nine under the MMF fabrics.

  • Relaxation in company registration requirements:  Earlier, applicants were required to set up new companies before the commencement of investment.  The amendments remove this requirement and allow applicants to establish project units within existing companies.    

 

Environment

Vaishali Dhariwal (vaishali@prsindia.org)

Emission intensity targets released for certain industries 

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change issued Greenhouse Gases Emission Intensity Target (GEI) Rules, 2025, under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.[34],[35]  These Rules specify greenhouse gases emission intensity targets for industries in four sectors: (i) aluminium, (ii) cement, (iii) chemical processing, and (iv) pulp and paper.   The Rules will facilitate compliance under the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme, 2023.[36]  The scheme provides a market-based mechanism to regulate and trade carbon credits.

The Rules specify obligated companies and respective target years for compliance.  The obligated companies must register under the Indian Carbon Market Framework.   Companies will earn carbon credit certificates for achieving emission intensity levels below the set targets.   They may use previously banked and purchased carbon credit certificates to meet the shortfall if they are unable to meet these targets.  The Central Pollution Control Board may impose environmental compensation on any company failing to comply with these Rules.  This compensation will be equal to twice the average price of carbon credit certificates traded in the respective compliance year.  This compensation must be paid within 90 days of its imposition.

 

Transport

Atri Prasad Rout (atri@prsindia.org)

Rules regarding constitution of the National Road Safety Board notified 

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways issued the National Road Safety Board Rules, 2025 under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.[37],[38]  The Act provides that the Board will advise the central and state governments on issues related to road safety such as: (i) standards of design, construction and maintenance of motor vehicles, and (ii) standards related to road safety, road infrastructure and traffic control.  The Rules specify the organisational composition of the Board and related procedures.  

The Board will consist of: (i) a chairman as appointed by the central government with at least 15 years of experience in fields such as highway engineering and road safety, (ii) six members from state governments and union territory administrations, (iii) two members representing Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, (iv) two members from the National Highways Authority of India, (v) one member from the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation, and (vi) at least five more members with relevant experience as appointed by the central government.  The chairman will have a term of three years, while members representing states will serve for two years on a rotation basis.  

An officer of the Ministry, equivalent to the rank of a joint secretary, will serve as a member secretary to the Board.  The Board will meet at least once in three months as determined by the chairman or the member secretary.  It will also have the power to constitute working groups of professional experts to advise it on its functions.    

 

Annexure 

Parliament has constituted some of its Departmentally Related Standing Committees.  The subjects identified for examination for 2025-26 by the Committees are given below.

Chemicals and Fertilisers

Department of Fertilisers

1

Evaluation of the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) Scheme

2

Review of the Non-performing Assets/ Immovable properties lying idle in the Fertiliser Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).

3

Evaluation and monitoring of Fertiliser Subsidy Schemes as well as Fertiliser Innovation Schemes’

4

Evaluation of performance of PSUs producing fertiliser (other than Business and Commercial aspects)

5

Initiatives for ensuring growth of domestic fertiliser industry.

6

Fertiliser Projects and joint ventures for ensuring availability of fertilisers and raw materials.

7

Evaluation of Implementation of Fertilisers (Movement Control) Order, 1973 with special reference to effectiveness of levy of penalties for violation of the Order

8

Development, Promotion and Growth in the area of Nano Fertilisers including spray application mechanisms

9

Reform of Urea Policy and need for nutrient-based pricing for all fertilisers

10

Alignment of logistics for efficient fertiliser movement and availability at affordable prices during peak season and steps taken to curb forced Bundling of unnecessary boosters with essential fertilisers

11

Promotion of Organic and Bio fertilisers

Department of Chemicals and Petrochemical

1

To establish India as a leading manufacturer of chemicals and petrochemicals by initiating measures including, inter-alia, revival of sick units

2

Review of the functioning of Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering & Technology (CIPET), technical support services to plastic industry by CIPET including R&D initiatives by CIPET for the Plastic Industry

3

Factors impacting Dye-stuffs and dye intermediates industry

4

Review of the functioning of Institute of Pesticide Formulation Technology (IPFT)

5

Setting up of Plastic Waste Management Centres and steps taken to minimize the use of Plastic in the country

6

Review of performance of Petroleum, Chemicals and Petrochemical Investment Regions (PCPIRs).

7

Review of National Policy on Petrochemicals, 

2007

8

Addressing Quality challenges in the Indian Chemical Industry

9

Need for an effective policy for minimizing residue from Insecticides and Pesticides formulation

Department of Pharmaceuticals

1

Self-sufficiency in production and availability of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) through various initiatives including Production Linked Incentive Scheme (PLI)

2

Establishing uninterrupted growth of the Pharmaceutical Industry while ensuring quality and safety standards

3

Review of Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadi Pariyojna (PMBJP) with specific reference to penetration of PMBJP in North-East states

4

Construction of Campuses of National Institute of Pharmaceuticals Education and Research (NIPER) and Evaluation of performance of NIPERs

5

Review of Role, functions and duties of National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) with specific reference to increase in prices of medicines in the country

6

Setting up of National guidelines for Reuse of Single-Use Medical Devices

7

Generic versus branded medicines with special reference to awareness and trust deficit

8

Need for an integrated, transparent and predictable/reliable drug pricing mechanism

9

Inclusive growth of the Pharmaceutical Industry

Communications and Information Technology

Ministry of Information and Broadcasting

1

Review of implementation of Laws related to all forms of Media

2

Review of functioning of Prasar Bharati Organization

3

Overview of Film Industry

4

Emergence of OTT Platforms and related issues

5

Review of functioning of Central Bureau of Communication (CBC)

6

Review of implementation of “The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 (Part III)”

Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology

1

Impact of emergence of Artificial Intelligence and related issues

2

Social and digital platforms and their regulation

3

Cyber Security- Issues, Challenges and way forward

4

Biometric data and technologies: current and future uses

5

Role of Digital Governance in Public Service Delivery

Ministry of Communications (Department of Posts)

1

E-commerce logistics and supply chain management in Postal Services

2

Adoption of global best practices and the role of Universal Postal Union (UPU) in strengthening India Post

3

Review of services offered by the Department of Posts- Challenges and Opportunities

4

Status of Digital Infrastructure in India Post

Ministry of Communications (Department of Telecommunications)

1

Issues confronting Telecom Sector in India

2

Self-Reliance in Telecom Manufacturing Sector

3

Quality of Service (QoS) Standards and Consumer Protection in Telecom Sector

4

Review of the performance of schemes/projects under Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) implemented by Public and Private Sector

5

Spectrum Management and its Role in Digital Growth

Coal, Mines and Steel

Ministry of Coal 

1

Role of Coal and Lignite Companies towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat

2

Review of functioning of Coal India Limited (CIL) and its subsidiaries

3

Review of functioning of Coal Controller’s Organisation (CCO)

4

Review of functioning of Coal Mines Provident Fund Organisation (CMPFO)

5

Conservation Safety and Infrastructure Development in Coal Mines

6

Coal Gasification Scheme

7

Infrastructure development to augment washed coal production

8

Coal Block Auction & Allocation process – A Review

9

Land Acquisition and issues of Rehabilitation & Resettlement in Coal/Lignite Mining Areas

10

Research and Development in Coal Sector

11

Future of Coal in India's Energy Mix

12

Implementation of Information Technology and vigilance activities to curb illegal coal mining and theft of coal in the country

13

Compliance of Environmental Norms by Coal/Lignite Companies

14

Skill development in Coal/Lignite Sector

15

Expediting and Simplifying the Environment and Forest Clearance Process for Coal Mining Projects

16

Coal Mines Closure and Land Use Management

 

Ministry of Mines

1

Exploration of Offshore Mining in India – Opportunities and challenges

2

KABIL: India's quest for Global Critical Minerals

3

National Critical Minerals Mission: A step towards making India Aatmanirbhar

4

Mineral Exploration and Mining Activities in North-Eastern States and their developmental impact

5

Measures for Abatement of Pollution due to Mining Activities

6

Review of functioning of National Aluminum Company Limited (NALCO)

7

Review of functioning of Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL)

8

Review of functioning of Geological Survey of India (GSI)

9

Review of functioning of Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM)

10

National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET) – Performance and Review

11

Measures to curb Illegal Mining of Minerals and Metals in the Country

12

Safety, Health and Education facilities for inhabitants/workers in mining areas

13

Implementation of Information Technology (IT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Mining Sector

 

Ministry of Steel

1

Aatmanirbharta in Steel Sector and Roadmap for ‘Made in India’ Steel production

2

Organizational structure and Performance of Steel Authority of India Ltd. (SAIL) – A Review

3

Review of functioning of Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL)

4

Review of functioning of NMDC Steel Ltd. (NSL)

5

Review of functioning of National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC)

6

Review of functioning of KIOCL

7

Review of functioning of MOIL

8

Review of functioning of MECON and its consultancy activities

9

PLI (Production Linked Incentive) Scheme for Steel Sector

10

Promotion of R&D in Iron and Steel Sector

11

Review of ‘Promotion of Flagging of Merchant Ships in India’ Scheme under the Ministry of Steel

12

Iron ore handling infrastructure in India

13

Green Transition of the Iron and Steel Sector in India - Roadmap and Action Plan

14

Major Policy changes assisting Secondary Steel Sector

15

Management of Energy efficiency by Steel Plants

16

Environmental Issues related to Steel Plants

17

Development of Manganese Ore Industry in India

18

Status of Greenfield and Brownfield Projects of Steel PSUs

Energy 

Ministry of Power

1

Energy Security in India – Ensuring uninterrupted availability of Energy at an affordable Price

2

Energy Transition

3

Energy Conservation and Efficiency

4

Performance of Thermal (Coal and Gas based) Power Plants - Ensuring availability of sufficient quantity of Fuel

5

Revival of Hydro Power Sector in the Country

6

Revamping of the Transmission Sector - Strengthening of the Infrastructure and Management of High Demand in the Power System

7

Strengthening of the Electricity Distribution Sector - Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme with special focus on Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) Losses and Smart Metering

8

Ensuring Disaster Preparedness and Response in the Power Sector

9

Go Electric - Facilitating Electric Mobility and Development of Charging Infrastructure for Electric Vehicles

10

Impact of AI and Action Plan for ensuring Cyber Security in the Power Sector

11

Carbon Footprints of Power Sector in India and Action Plan for Carbon Credit Trading Scheme

12

Role of Power Sector Statutory Bodies, PSUs and Institutions in development of atmanirbhar Power Sector

13

Emerging Scenario in the Power Sector and Need for a New Electricity Policy – An Appraisal

14

Action Plan for Development of Pump Storage Plants and Battery Energy Storage Systems

Ministry of New and Renewable Energy

1

India’s Renewable Energy Targets by 2030 and beyond

2

Performance of India’s Solar Energy Sector

3

Evaluation of Wind Energy Sector in the Country

4

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthaan Mahabhiyaan (PM-KUSUM) - An Evaluation

5

PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana - Grid connected Solar Rooftop Initiative

6

National Green Hydrogen Mission - Role of Green Hydrogen in achieving Energy Independence for India

7

Ensuring Round-the-Clock-Power (RTC) from Renewable Energy Projects

8

National Bioenergy Programme - An Evaluation

9

Green Energy Corridor - Development of Evacuation and Transmission Infrastructure for Renewable Energy

10

Self-Reliance in Renewable Energy Sector - Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for National Programme on High Efficiency Solar PV Modules

11

Renewable Energy Financing - Sound and Innovative Financing as the key to accelerated Growth in Renewable Energy Sector

12

New Technologies in Renewable Energy Sector - Progress in Offshore Wind, Geo Thermal and Ocean Energy

13

Research and Technology Development in Renewable Energy Sector

14

Skill Development and Capacity Building in Renewable Energy Sector

External Affairs

1

Future of India-Bangladesh Relationship

2

India’s Role and Presence in the Arctic and Antarctic Regions

3

India Europe Relationship: Opportunities and Challenges

4

India-Sri Lanka Relations and the Way Ahead

5

Role of QUAD

6

Understanding India-China Relations and the way forward

7

Looking West: India's Relations with West Asia including Israel

8

India’s Role in Global Tech diplomacy, Digital governance, Outer Space diplomacy, AI and emerging innovations

9

India-US Relations: Challenges, Opportunities and the Way Forward

10

India’s Role in Global Governance Institutions including reforms in UNSC

11

India’s Role in BRICS

12

India’s trade diplomacy and geopolitics

13

Functioning of Indian Missions Abroad: An Assessment and Evaluation including functioning of Indian Foreign service

14

Performance of Passport Issuance System including Issuance of e-Passports and Review of the Indian Passport Act and Rules

15

Facilitating cooperation and collaboration with States and Union Territories

16

India and the Global South- Towards an inclusive and equitable world order

17

Recent developments in India-Pakistan relations

18

India’s Cultural Diplomacy and soft power

19

India -Nepal bilateral ties

20

Strengthening India’s ties with Latin American Countries

21

India’s Look East Policy: Review of India – ASEAN Partnership

22

Opportunities in African Countries and India’s Engagement

23

Schemes/programmes related to Overseas Indians- A Review

Finance

1

Performance Review of International Financial Services Centre (IFSC)- GIFT City and Way Forward

2

Review of Functioning of Aspirational District Programmes and Aspirational Block Programmes of NITI Aayog

3

Way forward for Enhancing Ease of Doing Business Parameters in India

4

Banking and Economic Progress: Navigating Challenges and Embracing the Future

5

Insurance Sector: Impact, Challenges and Opportunities

6

Indirect Tax Reforms: Simplification, Rationalisation and Ease of Compliance with Special Emphasis on GST

7

National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT): Challenges and Way Forward

8

Monitoring and Appraisal of Central Sector Projects of Rs. 150 crore and above and Accountability for Time and Cost Overruns

9

Review of Survey of Public Enterprises and Way Forward

10

Review and Evaluation of Mechanism of Memorandum of Understanding for Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs)

11

Performance Review of Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA)

12

Review of Corporate Social Responsibility

13

Performance Review of National Housing Bank (NHB) and its role in Strengthening Affordable Housing Finance and Enhancing Credit Accessibility in the Housing Sector

14

Evaluation of Centrally Sponsored Schemes/ Programmes: Budget Allocation and Fund Flow

15

Review of the Regulation and Supervision of Payment and Settlement Systems

16

Artificial Intelligence in Finance: Emerging Issues and Prospects

17

Climate Resilient Finance in India: Challenges and Opportunities

18

Performance Review of SIDBI in financing and strengthening the MSME Sector and the start-up ecosystem

19

Performance Review of NABARD in empowering and providing credit to the agriculture and rural sector

20

Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs): Performance Review, Regulatory Gaps and Way Forward

21

Enhancing Financial Literacy and Financial Digitalisation: Challenges and Achievements

22

Functioning of Grievances Redressal Mechanism in Financial Sector

23

Review of working of Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code and Emerging Issues

24

Performance review of National Statistical Commission (NSC)

25

Direct Tax Reforms: Simplification, Rationalisation and Ease of Compliance

26

Social Security for Informal Sector

27

Review of long-term public finances and debt at Centre and States

28

Performance Evaluation of SEBI: Capital Market Regulation and Ensuring Investor Protection

29

Monetization of Public Sector Assets including Disinvestment and Asset Recycling

30

RBI’s Evolving Role in India’s Dynamic Economy

31

Review of Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) in light of revised guidelines

32

A Study on Virtual Digital Assets (VDAs) and Way Forward

33

Evaluating Financing of Union Territories for Increasing Efficiency

34

Reviewing Role and Scope of Ministry of Planning (NITI Aayog)

35

Performance Review and Regulation of Pension Sector

Housing and Urban Affairs

1

Census criteria for defining urban areas

2

PM-eBus Sewa Scheme

3

Review of Implementation of Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016

4

Review of Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) with special emphasis on Urban Drinking Water

5

Review of Sewerage and Septage Coverage in Cities with special reference to interventions under Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT & AMRUT 2.0)

6

Operation and Performance of Smart City Integrated Command and Control Centres (ICCCs) in E-Governance

7

Review of Affordable Rental Housing Schemes of MoHUA

8

Review of Slums Redevelopment and Resettlement initiatives of MoHUA

9

Review of progress of various schemes and programmes of the Ministry i.e. Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban), Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban), Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), Urban Challenge Fund (UCF), PM Street Vendor’s Atma Nirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi), National Urban Livelihood Mission (DAY-NULM), National Urban Digital Mission (NUDM), Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) etc

10

Sustainable urban development of heritage cities and cities of religious importance

11

Improving the standard and quality of living in urban cities with focus on Metro cities

12

Review of need and progress of Metro in various cities

13

GIS-Based Master Planning and the Role and Functioning of the Town and Country Planning 2 Organisation (TCPO)

14

Public–Private Partnership (PPP) Model in Urban Development: Effectiveness, Challenges and Future Outlook

15

Strengthening Urban Governance: Assessment of Human Resource capacity in Urban Local Bodies

16

Revenue Mobilization and Budget Management in Urban Local Bodies

17

Environmentally sustainable techniques in urban planning and initiatives for developing eco- friendly cities with zero carbon emissions

18

Regularization of Unauthorized Colonies in Delhi and other cities

19

Redevelopment of General Pool Residential Accommodation (GPRA) colonies and measures for augmentation of Government residential quarters

20

Status of Implementation of land pooling policy in Delhi

21

Review of functioning of Housing and Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO), Hindustan Prefab Limited (HPL), Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Central Public Works Department (CPWD), National Buildings Construction Corporation (NBCC), Directorate of Estates (DoE), Land and Development Office (L&DO), National Capital Region Planning Board (NCRPB), Delhi Urban Arts Commission (DUAC), National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC), and Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH)

22

Allotment of Government land in Delhi

23

Strategies to address traffic congestion through smart traffic management systems in Cities

Industry

Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises

1

Review of Credit Access and Financial Empowerment Mechanisms for MSMEs.

2

Export Competitiveness and Global Market Integration of MSMEs.

3

Support Mechanisms for Traditional and Labour-Intensive MSME Sector

4

Impact of US Tariffs on MSME Sector

5

Implementation of 25% prescribed procurement from MSEs by CPSEs under the Public Procurement Policy and Review of release of their payment

Ministry of Heavy Industries

1

India’s Transition to Electric Mobility: Challenges and Opportunities

2

Revival and Modernization Strategies for CPSEs under the Ministry of Heavy Industries

3

Competitiveness and Industry 4.0 Integration in the Capital Goods Sector.

Rural Development and Panchayati Raj

Ministry of Rural Development (Department of Rural Development)

1

Rural Skilling and Migration: Impact Study of Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY), Deendayal Antyodaya Yojna-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), and Rural Self Employment Training Institutes (RSETIs)

2

Role of Banks in Rural Development

3

Review the functioning of Mission Antyodaya to strengthen Rural Health and Nutrition Infrastructure

4

Scope of Livelihood Diversification in Rural Areas under National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM)

5

Review of Autonomous Bodies under MoRD: National Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (NRIDA), National Rural Livelihood Promotion Society (NRLPS), National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRDPR) and Bharat Rural Livelihood Foundation (BRLF) etc.

6

Review of the Progress made under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)

7

Review of Rural Employment through the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)

8

Review the Status of Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G)

Ministry of Rural Development (Department of Land Resources)

1

Implementation of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013

2

Review the status of Wasteland Development and Land Use Change

3

Reviewing effective management of Common Property Resources & Grazing Lands

4

Impact of Mining & Industrial Corridors on Rural Habitation and Land

5

Review the status of Watershed Development & Soil Conservation under Watershed Development Component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (WDC-PMKSY)

6

Implementation of Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP)

Ministry of Panchayati Raj

1

Review of Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act, 1996

2

Fiscal Empowerment of Panchayats

3

Strengthening the role of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in Disaster Management & Climate Response

4

Review of performance of Women & Youth Leadership in Panchayats

5

Review the implementation of Nine themes in realization of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through Panchayats

6

Effectiveness of the implementation of Constitution 73rd Amendment Act with special reference to coordination in three-tier system of Panchayat

7

Digital Empowerment of Rural India: Examination and Review of Common Service Centre (CSC) and BharatNet Programme and Mobile connectivity

8

Survey of Villages Abadi and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas (SVAMITVA) scheme.

Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution

Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution (Department of Consumer Affairs)

1

Dark Patterns and Manipulative Online Practices: Challenges and remedial measures

2

Improving Quality Control and Enforcement of BIS Standards

3

Quality Assurance and Standardisation of Ethanol and Bio-Fuels

4

Modernising the National Test House: Expanding Advanced Testing Capabilities

5

Ensuring Availability of Essential Commodities with specific Reference to Petroleum and Petroleum Products

6

Regulation of Packaged Commodities with specific Reference to Sugar Content in Baby products and other Food Products

7

Safeguarding consumer rights in banking sector

8

Regulation and Supply of Textile Products under Essential Commodities Act, 1955

9

Strengthening Consumer Rights under the New GST 2.0 Reforms

10

National, State, and District Consumer Grievance Redressal Commissions: An assessment

11

Promoting consumer awareness and transparency through effective product labelling

Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution (Department of Food and Public Distribution)

1

Predictive Analytics for Optimizing Foodgrains Procurement

2

Storage of foodgrains: Existing infrastructure and future strategy

3

Transportation of foodgrains: Optimizing movement

4

Modernisation of Public Distribution System: Strengthening Technical Database

5

Technological advancements in sugar industry

6

Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC): Diversification of services

7

Edible Oil Industry: A Review

8

Quality Control Cells (QCCs)

9

Indian Grain Storage Management & Research Institute (IGMRI): Strengthening Post Harvest Management and quality of food grain

Labour, Textiles and Skill Development

Ministry of Labour and Employment

1

Implementation of the Labour Codes.

2

Working Conditions and Welfare Measures for Mine Workers, including Unauthorised Mines and assessment of working of Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS).

3

Contractual Appointments/Deployments and Implementation of Labour Laws concerning the welfare of Contract/Casual Workers in Government Organisations/Public Sector Undertakings/Public Sector Banks/Establishments.

4

Implementation of Welfare measures for Plantation Workers

5

Functioning of the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) with special reference to operation of the EPF Pension Scheme and Management of Corpus Fund

6

Functioning of Dattopant Thengadi National Board for Workers Education and Development (DTNBWED).

7

Identification and Rehabilitation of Bonded Labour

8

Implementation of prescribed minimum Wages in various Employment Sectors.

9

Social Security and Welfare Measures to provide old age protection to Unorganised/ Informal Sector Workers including Gig/Scheme workers, Street Vendors, Stone Crushers, Fishermen and Workers in IT and Telecommunication Sectors

10

Safeguards and measures for protecting the interest of overseas contract workers and the Returnees, particularly in the Middle East Region.

11

Employment Generation Programmes - A Review

12

Empowerment of Women Workforce – An insight into their working conditions and implementation of various provisions available to them

13

India and International Labour Organisation (ILO) - Achieving objectives and review of conventions binding on India

14

Expanding and providing affordable health care facilities to the workers and their families in the organised and unorganised sectors through ESIC with reference to rural and underserved areas – challenges and resolution

15

Social security measures to ensure welfare of workers in Railways, Roadways, Airlines and Ports

16

Impact of Technology and Automation on Jobs and Worker Welfare.

17

Rights and Welfare of Domestic Workers

18

Assessment of Working Conditions and Rights of Migrant Workers in India

19

Policy Support for promoting employment in labour- intensive sectors

20

Policy Framework and Rehabilitation of workers in closed/sick industries

21

Evaluation of Employee Grievance Redressal Mechanisms and Compliance with Labour Laws

22

Review and regulation of Labour Recruitment Agencies

23

Review of Performance and Integration of e-Shram Portal

Ministry of Textiles

1

Skill Development vis-à-vis Manufacturing and Upgradation in Textiles Sector

2

Challenges/Opportunities in Indian Textile Industry

3

Status/Performance of Handloom Sector

4

Status and Reforming of Power loom Sector

5

Performance of Marketing Agencies of Handlooms and Handicrafts

6

Functioning of National Textile Corporation (NTC)

7

Challenges/Opportunities in the Wool Sector

8

Scope of Public-Private Sector Partnership in Textile Sector

9

Review of the functioning of Textile Cluster Development Scheme (TCDS)

10

Impact of waste emerging from Textile production on the environment and measures/initiatives taken to curb it

11

Review of the functioning of SAMARTH - Scheme for Capacity Building in Textile Sector

12

Challenges and prospects under North Eastern Textile Promotion Scheme (NERTPS) with special focus on Sericulture

13

Measures for promotion of Traditional handicrafts and preservation of dying arts

14

Implementation of Prime Minister Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel (PM MITRA) Scheme

15

Review of the Implementation and Functioning of Raw Material Supply Scheme for the Handloom Sector

16

Evaluation of the Performance of Central Cottage Industries Corporation of India Ltd

17

Performance, Modernisation and Rehabilitation of British India Corporation Ltd. Post Nationalisation in 1981

18

Review of the challenges faced by India’s Technical Textiles Sector and the future roadmap

19

Inclusion of Textiles under the One District One Product (ODOP) Initiative

Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship

1

National Skills Qualifications Framework – An Assessment

2

Functioning of National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC).

3

Skill Training in Food Processing, Agriculture and Allied Sectors

4

Recognition of Skills of Agniveers Scheme – An Assessment

5

Introduction of New ITI Upgradation Scheme

6

Skill Development under One District One Product (ODOP) Scheme

7

Functioning of the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET)

8

Implementation of Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 4.0 (PMKVY 4.0).

9

National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS)-2

10

Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS)

11

Skill Loan Scheme

12

Scheme of Dual System of Training

13

Skill Upgradation and Language Training for Migrant Workers Seeking Overseas Employment

14

Evaluation of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Schemes across Ministries (PM Vishwakarma, RSETIs, etc.)

15

Review of Government and Private ITIs

16

Need for a National Skill Census

Petroleum and Natural Gas

1

Pricing of Petroleum Products Including Review of Pricing Policy

2

Marketing and Supply of Petroleum Products

3

Review of Physical and Financial Performance of Oil Companies

4

Review of Human Resource Policies of Oil PSUs

5

CSR Activities of Oil PSUs

6

Measures for Ensuring Energy Security in the Country including Review of Initiatives under ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’

7

Efficacy of Domestic LPG Cylinder Safety Campaigns

8

Review of On-Going projects of Oil PSUs.

9

Customer Service Initiatives and Grievance Redressal Mechanisms in Petroleum/Gas Sectors

10

Examination of R&D Activities of Oil PSUs

11

Review of SATAT Scheme and Other Initiatives for Promoting Alternate Energy Sources

12

Environmental Issues in Petroleum Sector

13

Review of Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited Towards Implementing Hydrocarbon Vision 2030 for North-East

14

Review of Impact of Ethanol Blending in Various Sectors

15

Review of LNG Infrastructure in the Country

16

Examination of International Operations, Investments and Overseas Assets of Oil PSUs

17

Review of PDH-PP Project by GAIL at Usar, Maharashtra

18

Levy of GST on Petroleum Products

19

Safety and Security in Transportation of Petroleum Products

20

Role of Private Sector in Petroleum and Natural Gas Sector

21

Impact of Global Geo-Political Situation on Petroleum Sector

22

Review of Domestic Production of Petroleum Products

23

Measures for Improving Services and Facilities at Retail Outlets of Oil PSUs.

 

Social Justice and Empowerment

Department of Social Justice & Empowerment

1

Review of functioning of National Scheduled Castes Finance Development Corporation (NSFDC)

2

Scholarship Schemes for SCs, OBCs and Children of persons engaged in hazardous and unclean occupations including Evaluation studies & their implementation

3

Economic Empowerment through Skill Development Schemes for SCs, OBCs, DNTs and EBCs

4

Schemes/programmes implemented for the welfare of SCs/OBCs under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

5

Review of Functioning of National Backward Classes Finance & Development Corporation (NBCFDC)

6

Review of the implementation of The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989 and Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955

7

Review of financial assistance provided to NGOs/VOs for the socio-economic development of SCs, OBCs, DNTs and EBCs

8

Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY)

Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities

1

Review of functioning of National Handicapped Finance and Development Corporation (NHFDC)

2

Review of functioning of National Trust for the Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities

3

Implementation of Reservation Policy for Divyangjan

4

Review of Accessible India Campaign

5

Review of financial assistance provided to NGOs/VOs for the socio-economic development of Divyangjan

6

New age Software innovations for empowerment of visually challenged and other Divyangjan

7

Schemes/programmes implemented for the welfare of Divyangjan under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

8

Review of functioning of Rehabilitation Council of India

9

Review of Skill Development Schemes for Divyangjan

Ministry of Tribal Affairs

1

Schemes for Educational and Economic empowerment of Tribals

2

Review of functioning of Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs)

3

Review of the functioning of the National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation (NSTFDC)

4

Review of the functioning of the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Limited (TRIFED)

5

Schemes/programmes implemented for the welfare of Tribals under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

6

Review of the implementation of the Scheduled Tribes and other Traditional Forest Dwellers Act, 2006

7

Review of financial assistance provided to NGOs/VOs for the socio-economic development of Tribals including PVTGs

8

Review of Skill Development Schemes for Tribals including PVTGs

9

Review of Pradhan Mantri Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyaan (PM-JANMAN)

Ministry of Minority Affairs

1

Review of Scholarship Schemes for Minority Students

2

Schemes/programmes implemented for the welfare of Minorities under Corporate social responsibility (CSR)

3

Review of the Implementation of Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakarm (PMJKY)

4

Review of Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS)

5

Review of Skill Development/Schemes for minorities including Seekho Aur Kamao, USTTAD etc

6

Review of financial assistance provided to NGOs/VOs for the socio-economic welfare of Minorities

7

Review of Scholarship Schemes for Minority Students

Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (Department of Social Justice and Empowerment and Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities), Ministry of Tribal Affairs and Ministry of Minority Affairs

1

Financial inclusion along with Priority Sector Lending by the Financial Institutions such as Banks/Non-Banking Financial Institutions of deprived sections of the society including SCs, OBCs, DNTs, EBCs, Divyangjans, Tribals and Minorities in co-ordination with concerned Ministries/Departments/Organizations

2

Socio-economic impact of the activities of Central Public Sector Enterprises on deprived sections of society including SCs, OBCs, DNTs, EBCs, Divyangjan, Tribals and Minorities in co-ordination with concerned Ministries/Departments/Organizations

Water Resources

Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation

1

(i) Conservation, Development, Management and Abatement of pollution in river Ganga and its Tributaries under Namami Gange Programme with reference to project deliverables and timelines as well as performance of State Governments; and
 (ii) An overview of the National River Conservation Plan-Other Basins

2

(i) Management of Reservoirs and Water Bodies, streams, and rivers, including wetland in protected/non-protected forest areas, National Parks, Tiger Reserves and Wildlife Sanctuaries impacting sustainable flora and fauna; and
 (ii) Submergence of Islands in inhabited and uninhabited regions of various States including forest areas

3

An Overview of the Safety and Functioning of Dams including small dams with reference to Dam Safety Rule curves under the Dam Safety Management Act in the background of Integrated Reservoir Operation for Flood Management including automated Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System (SCADA) and effective use of modern digital technologies – Role of National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA)

4

(i) Causes, Impact, Mitigation and Relief Measures for Floods/Cloudburst/ Landslides in the Country with special reference to Inter, Intra-State and Trans-Border Rivers including protection of river banks, flood plains along with issues of unregulated occupancy and encroachment; and
 (ii) Coordination among various Ministries/Departments including Central Water Commission (CWC), Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Geological Survey of India (GSI), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Dam Authorities in flood management with reference to Early Warning System (EWS) and lesson learnt from the recent case studies such as floods/cloudburst/landslide in Punjab, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.

5

Review of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) Projects both at State and National levels, and its role in irrigation efficiency, water management, and adoption of modern technologies such as irrigation through pipes, drip, and sprinkler etc. with special reference to the areas having three crop cultivation practices in a year

6

Overall review of National Water Mission in view of the objectives of the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) with special focus on the National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE), assessing progress, challenges, and effectiveness

7

Management of Water Resources by the Major Organizations and industrial establishment having large parcels of land in the country under various sectors including Public Private Partnership (PPP) model on water consumption and pollution control measures

8

 (i) Water Resources Management in North-Eastern Region of the country with special reference to soil erosion caused by Brahmaputra river and its tributaries including groundwater recharge and pollution control measures in the border areas adjoining Bhutan and Nepal; and
 (ii) Restoration of water bodies across the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) and North- Eastern Region (NER) affected due to impact of Major and Minor Hydro Power Stations, urbanization, construction, sewerage and other anthropogenic activities

9

Review of Major, Medium and Minor Irrigation Projects in India including their Status and Progress with regard to (i) Participatory Irrigation Management (PIM) and (ii) Water Users Associations (WUAs).

10

(i) Contamination/Pollution of Water Resources: Causes, Consequences and Remedial Measures to check ground water contamination with particular reference to the impact of pesticides and other agricultural practices on water sources/ bodies in the country and water level rejuvenation measures; and
 (ii) Adverse Impact of pollution on sea water and marine life: Causes, Consequences and Remedial Measures

11

Interlinking of Rivers: Significance, challenges, and ongoing river interlinking projects such as Kosi-Mechi and Ken-Betwa and other Projects in pipeline

12

Review of Major Canal Irrigation Projects, with special reference to the Gandak and Eastern Rajasthan Canal Projects including upgradation of existing canal system in the country

13

Conservation and Restoration of smaller Perennial and Non-Perennial rivers for inclusive water planning for sustainable development across the country including measures for de-siltation and improve navigability

14

Backwater Management, Stagnation and Depletion of Cultivable Land in Coastal Regions, including Impacts on Aquaculture and Fisheries including pollution of ground water in the region

15

Review of International Water Treaties and Inter-State Water agreements with Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh focusing on water sharing and flood management

16

An overview of the functioning of various Tribunals/Councils/Boards w.r.t. Inter-State River Water Management in the country

17

Overall impact of climate change on glacier melt, black carbon deposits, and hydrology in the upper Himalayan regions, including implications for downstream water availability and disaster risk

18

An overview of the Functioning of Various Organizations/Bodies under the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation

19

An overview of the functioning of WAPCOS Limited and NPCC Limited including the role played by various PSUs, Industries/Corporations under CSR for maintenance, creation, and enhancement of water bodies and river rejuvenation

20

Review of Sustainable Flow of Adequate Water for Irrigation and Navigational Purposes in Major Rivers and their Tributaries, and Rejuvenation of Inland Waterways

21

Review of Atal Bhujal Yojana and Ground Water Management in the country including recharge measures such as Rainwater Harvesting and integration with water conservation programs

Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation

1

Review of performance of Jal Jeevan Mission- Quality and functional sustainability of piped water supply infrastructure created under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in rural area, maintenance, management, and expansion

2

Review of performance of Swachh Bharat Mission-Phase II with particular reference to achievement of open defecation free (ODF)plus target for all village and GOBARdhan a waste to wealth initiative in the country.

3

Review of the steps taken for providing World Class Hygiene and Sanitation Facilities at Tourist/Pilgrimage Places under ‘Green Leaf Rating’, ‘PRASAD Scheme’ and ‘Swachh Iconic Places (SIP)’ and other state level tourist locations

4

Challenges of Drinking Water Supply in Coastal Areas –Use of Latest Technology and Innovation for Setting up of cost-effective Desalination Plants

5

Solid, Liquid and Plastic Waste Management under Swachh Bharat Mission – Grameen (SBM-G) including collection, storage, and disposal.

6

An overview of the performance of JJM and SBM in Aspirational Districts and other backward districts

7

Measures to ensure safe Drinking Water Availability in Rural India including Arid Regions and other Water Stressed Areas in the country with reference to role of Canals in providing potable drinking water

8

Role of Government, Local Bodies, Industries, PSUs, and Corporations under CSR for Creation, Maintenance, and Restoration of Ecosystem through Jal Jeevan Mission, Swachh Bharat Mission and Other Initiatives

 

[1] Monetary Policy Statement, 2025-26, Resolution of the Monetary Policy Committee, September 29 to October 1, 2025, Reserve Bank of India, October 1, 2025, https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/BS_PressReleaseDisplay.aspx?prid=61332.

[2] Consumer Price Index Numbers on Base 2012=100 for Rural, Urban and Combined for the Month of September, 2025, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, October 13, 2025, https://www.mospi.gov.in/sites/default/files/press_release/CPI_PR_13oct25L.pdf. 

[3] Index Numbers of Wholesale Price in India for the Month of September, 2025 (Base Year: 2011-12), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, October 14, 2025, https://eaindustry.nic.in/pdf_files/cmonthly.pdf. 

[4] “Cabinet approves Terms of Reference of 8th Central Pay Commission”, Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Finance, October 28, 2025, https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2183290. 

[5] Statement on Developmental and Regulatory Policies, Reserve Bank of India, October 1, 2025, https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/BS_PressReleaseDisplay.aspx?prid=61334. 

[6] Reserve Bank of India (Commercial Banks - Capital Market Exposure) Directions, 2025 – Draft, Reserve Bank of India, October 24, 2025, https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/bs_viewcontent.aspx?Id=4762

[7] Reserve Bank of India (Small Finance Banks - Capital Market Exposure) Directions, 2025 – Draft, Reserve Bank of India, October 24, 2025, https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/bs_viewcontent.aspx?Id=4763

[8] Guidelines on Enhancing Credit Supply for Large Borrowers through Market Mechanism – Repeal Circular – Draft, Reserve Bank of India, October 1, 2025, https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/bs_viewcontent.aspx?Id=4732

[9] Draft – Foreign Exchange Management (Borrowing and Lending) (Fourth Amendment) Regulations, 2025, Reserve Bank of India, October 2, 2025, https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/bs_viewcontent.aspx?Id=4736

[10] Foreign Exchange Management (Borrowing and Lending) (Amendment) Regulations, 2025, October 6, 2025, https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/NotificationUser.aspx?Id=12915&Mode=0. 

[11] Consultation Paper on Comprehensive Review of SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996, Securities and Exchange Board of India, October 28, 2025, https://www.sebi.gov.in/reports-and-statistics/reports/oct-2025/consultation-paper-on-comprehensive-review-of-sebi-mutual-funds-regulations-1996-_97496.html. 

[12] SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996, Securities and Exchange Board of India, https://www.sebi.gov.in/acts/mfregu.html. 

[13] Consultation Paper on Enhancing the National Pension System: Proposals for Flexible, Assured and Predictable Pension Schemes, September 30, 2025, https://pfrda.org.in/en/web/pfrda/w/consultation-paper. 

[14] Draft Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2025, Ministry of Power, October 9, 2025, https://powermin.gov.in/sites/default/files/webform/notices/Seeking_comments_on_Draft_Electricity_Amendment_Bill_2025.pdf.  

[15] The Electricity Act, 2003, https://www.indiacode.nic.in/bitstream/123456789/2058/1/A2003-36.pdf. 

[16] “Union Cabinet Approves Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses for 2025-26 to 2030-31,” Press Information Bureau, Cabinet, October 1, 2025, https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2173547. 

[17]“Cabinet approves Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for Rabi Crops for Marketing Season 2026-27” Press Information Bureau, Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, October 1, 2025, https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2173566. 

[18] “Cabinet approves the Nutrient Based Subsidy rates for Rabi 2025- 26 on Phosphatic and Potassic fertilisers” Press Information Bureau, Cabinet, October 28, 2025, https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2183291. 

[19] Shram Shakti Niti 2025, Ministry of Ministry of Labour and Employment, October 8, 2025, https://labour.gov.in/sites/default/files/draft_-_mole_le_policy_-_v1.1.pdf. 

[20] The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules, 2025, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, October 22, 2025, https://www.meity.gov.in/static/uploads/2025/10/90dedea70a3fdfe6d58efb55b95b4109.pdf. 

[21] Government notifies amendments to Rule 3(1)(d) of the IT Rules, 2021 to enhance transparency, accountability and safeguards, Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, October 23, 2025, https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2181719.  

[22] The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, https://www.meity.gov.in/static/uploads/2024/02/Information-Technology-Intermediary-Guidelines-and-Digital-Media-Ethics-Code-Rules-2021-updated-06.04.2023-.pdf.  

[23] The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules, 2025, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, October 22, 2025, https://www.meity.gov.in/static/uploads/2025/10/38be31bac9d39bbe22f24fc42442d5d1.pdf.  

[24] The National Sports Governance Act, 2025, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, https://yas.gov.in/national-sports-governance-act-2025 

[25] Draft National Sports Governance (National Sports Board) Rules, Ministry of Youth and Sports Affairs, October 15, 2025,  https://yas.gov.in/sports/draft-national-sports-governance-national-sports-board-rules-2025-inviting-comments.

[26] Draft National Sports Governance (National Sports Bodies) Rules, Ministry of Youth and Sports Affairs, October 15, 2025, https://yas.gov.in/sports/draft-national-sports-governance-national-sports-bodies-rules-2025-inviting-comments. 

[27] Draft National Sports Governance (National Sports Tribunal) Rules, Ministry of Youth and Sports Affairs, October 15, 2025, https://yas.gov.in/sports/draft-national-sports-governance-national-sports-tribunal-rules-2025-inviting-comments. 

[28] The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, https://www.indiacode.nic.in/bitstream/123456789/19380/1/mmdr_act%2C1957.pdf. 

[29] The Mineral (Auction) Second Amendment Rules, 2025, The Gazette of India, Ministry of Mines, October 17, 2025, https://egazette.gov.in/WriteReadData/2025/267001.pdf. 

[30] Mineral (Auction) Rules, 2015, https://ibm.gov.in/writereaddata/files/11222021124835Mineral_Auction_Rules_2015%20updated%20upto%2002112021.pdf. 

[31] “Ministry of Textiles Notifies Major Amendments in PLI Scheme for Textiles to Boost MMF and Technical Textiles Sectors”, Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Textiles, October 9, 2025, https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2176795.  

[32] Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Textiles – Amendments and Addition in the Scheme, Ministry of Textiles, October 9, 2025, https://pli.texmin.gov.in/frontend/images/Documents/Amendment%20&%20Addition-PLI%20for%20Textiles%20-%20Noti%20dt%2009.10.2025.pdf.  

[33] Production Linked Scheme for Textiles, 2021, https://pli.texmin.gov.in/frontend/images/Documents/1.%20PLI%20Textiles%20Notification_24.09.2021.pdf.  

[34] Notification of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, October 8, 2025, https://egazette.gov.in/WriteReadData/2025/266804.pdf. 

[35] Environment Protection Act, 1986, https://www.indiacode.nic.in/bitstream/123456789/4316/1/ep_act_1986.pdf. 

[36] Carbon Credit Trading Scheme, 2023, Ministry of Power, June 28, 2023, https://egazette.gov.in/WriteReadData/2023/246859.pdf. 

[37] The Motor Vehicle Act, 1988, https://www.indiacode.nic.in/bitstream/123456789/1798/1/eng.pdf.

[38] National Road Safety Board Rules, 2025, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, October 27, 2025, https://egazette.gov.in/WriteReadData/2025/267201.pdf.

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