Three major gifts from the Modi government: key decisions spanning sectors from justice to energy

New Delhi. In the Union Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, many important decisions related to justice system, energy security and industrial development were approved. The government has decided to continue the scheme of fast-track special courts for the next five years for speedy disposal of cases related to rape and sexual abuse of children. Under this, arrangements have been made to provide assistance to 850 fast-track special courts. Additionally, a Rs 14,500 crore scheme to develop 92 gigawatt-hour (GWh) energy storage capacity in the country and a Rs 2,814 crore scheme to promote processing of critical minerals have also been approved. Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnav informed about these decisions after the cabinet meeting.
Emphasis on providing speedy justice to women and children
The Union Cabinet has extended the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Fast-Track Special Courts for expeditious disposal of cases related to Rape and Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses Act (POCSO Act). The Government has approved the continuation of this scheme from April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2031. The objective of this arrangement is to expedite the disposal of pending cases related to serious sexual crimes against women and children. Hearing of such cases is given priority, so that the victims do not have to wait for the judicial process for a long time. Emphasis is laid on making the judicial process effective keeping in mind the interests and safety of children, especially in cases covered under the POCSO Act. The Government believes that strengthening the system of special courts can improve disposal of pending cases and access to justice.
Scheme expanded to 850 special courts
Under the Cabinet decision, approval has been given to advance the system of 850 fast-track special courts. This also includes special POCSO courts. The objective of these courts is to give priority hearing to cases related to sexual offences. The scheme of fast-track special courts was launched in the year 2019. Subsequently, the duration of the scheme was extended from time to time. According to the government, along with the increase in the number of courts, it is also necessary to strengthen the judicial staff, infrastructure and administrative support. This decision will provide continuity to the operation of special courts in the states and union territories.
Rs 14,500 crore approved for energy storage
The Cabinet has approved a Viability Gap Funding (VGF) scheme of Rs 14,500 crore to strengthen the country’s power system. Through this scheme, a total of 92 gigawatt-hour energy storage capacity is targeted to be developed between the years 2026-27 to 2030-31. Energy storage systems help in storing excess electricity produced from renewable sources like solar and wind energy. This can be done when demand for electricity is high and production is relatively low. This can help in making the electricity supply more reliable and connecting renewable energy to the grid.
92 GWh capacity will be developed through three technologies
Proposed distribution of energy storage capacity
Pumped Hydro Storage
60 GWh
battery energy storage
30 GWh
Emerging Storage Technologies
2 GWh
Rs 2,814 crore scheme for important minerals
The Union Cabinet has approved a Capital Expenditure Assistance Scheme of Rs 2,814 crore to promote the processing of critical minerals. This scheme will also be applicable for five years. It aims to increase the processing of critical minerals obtained from mining and recycling in India, so that they can be made ready for use in domestic manufacturing industries. Critical minerals like lithium and nickel are used in electric vehicle batteries, electronic components and modern industrial technologies. Domestic processing of these minerals will It is expected to help in reducing dependence on imports and strengthening the supply chain of the manufacturing sector.
Modernization of statistical system also approved
The Cabinet has also approved the Statistical Transformation, Analysis and Research (VISTAR) scheme under the Develop India initiative. A provision of Rs 4,371.10 crore has been made for this programme. The objective of the scheme is to modernize the collection, analysis and use of government data. Under this, technologies like digitization, artificial intelligence and better data management will be promoted. The government believes that reliable and timely available data plays an important role in making public policies and development plans more effective.
Government’s focus on justice, energy and self-reliance
These decisions of the Union Cabinet, despite being related to different sectors, are widely considered important towards increasing institutional capacity. While the scheme of fast-track courts is related to providing timely justice to women and children, the energy storage scheme can be helpful in increasing the share of renewable energy in the power system. Increasing domestic processing of critical minerals is likely to benefit electric vehicles, batteries, electronics and other manufacturing industries. Currently, effective implementation of these schemes, participation of states and Focus will be on achieving the target in the stipulated time.