The last Cabinet meeting took place on July 22, just a day before Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget. In that session, the Cabinet made significant decisions, including approving 12 new greenfield industrial smart cities under the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme. These cities, spread across ten states, are strategically located along six major corridors. The estimated investment in these projects is ₹28,602 crore, which is expected to create 10 lakh direct jobs and up to 30 lakh indirect jobs. The cities include locations like Khurpia in Uttarakhand, Gaya in Bihar, Rajpura-Patiala in Punjab, and several others across Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Uttar Pradesh.

The Cabinet also approved a proposal to conduct e-auctions for 730 private FM channels in 234 new cities. This initiative aims to enhance local content, especially in regional languages, and boost employment opportunities in smaller cities.

Opposition and State-Level Protests

In Kerala, the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) is organizing a protest against the Left government’s alleged protection of individuals implicated in the Justice K. Hema Committee report. The report revealed exploitation and mistreatment of women in the film industry. The UDF is also protesting the government’s handling of a controversial “kafir” screenshot during the Lok Sabha polls.

Supreme Court to Hear ‘Bulldozer Justice’ Plea

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a plea challenging the practice of ‘bulldozer justice,’ where authorities demolish properties of accused individuals without proper legal procedures. The petition, filed by Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind, argues that this practice disproportionately targets minority communities. The hearing follows a recent incident in Udaipur, where officials demolished the home of a student accused of a crime, leading to clashes between locals and police.

Punjab Government vs. Centre on Rural Development Fund

The Punjab government has approached the Supreme Court, seeking the release of over ₹1,000 crore in Rural Development Fund dues from the central government. The state alleges that the Centre owes Punjab ₹4,200 crore, a portion of which has been withheld, affecting crucial rural development projects.

President Murmu’s Maharashtra Visit

President Droupadi Murmu is embarking on a three-day visit to Maharashtra, where she will attend various programs, including the golden jubilee celebration of the Shri Warana Women Co-operative Group in Kolhapur and the 21st convocation of Symbiosis International in Pune. She will also participate in centenary celebrations of the Maharashtra Legislative Council in Mumbai.

BJP’s Membership Drive and Punjab Assembly Session

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will kick off the BJP’s three-phase membership drive, starting with the renewal of his membership. The party aims to enroll new members and analyze regions and social groups that need more representation.

Meanwhile, the Punjab Assembly’s three-day session begins, with the Opposition expected to focus on issues of law and order and the state’s rising debt. Congress leader Aruna Chaudhary has stated that deteriorating law and order will be a key issue raised during the session.