In a major push to strengthen India’s manufacturing ecosystem and reduce import dependence, the Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved two flagship schemes worth nearly ₹11,900 crore aimed at transforming the country into a global hub for shipping container manufacturing and sports goods production.
The decisions are expected to boost exports, strengthen supply chains, attract fresh investment and generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs across the country.
Briefing reporters after the Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the approval of the Container Manufacturing Promotion Scheme with a total outlay of ₹10,000 crore extending till FY 2039-40.
The scheme seeks to establish a globally competitive container manufacturing ecosystem in India, reduce the country’s reliance on imports and enhance the resilience of maritime and logistics supply chains.
According to the government, the scheme will support both new manufacturing facilities and expansion of existing container-production units through four key components:
- Interest Subvention Assistance
- Testing and Certification Assistance
- Land Leasing Support
- Operational Expenditure Assistance
The government estimates that the initiative will create around 3,000 direct jobs and more than 50,000 indirect employment opportunities, while providing a boost to ancillary sectors including specialised steel, corner castings, paints and wooden frame manufacturing.
“The scheme has the potential to position India as a global export hub for quality shipping containers,” Vaishnaw said.
₹1,856-Crore Plan for Global Sports Goods Manufacturing
The Cabinet also approved the Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme with an outlay of ₹1,856 crore for the period 2026-27 to 2033-34.
The initiative is designed to build a globally competitive sports goods industry and strengthen India’s position in international supply chains.
A key feature of the programme is the development of dedicated Sports Goods Manufacturing Zones (SGMZs) that will promote cluster-based manufacturing and integrated industrial ecosystems.
The scheme will operate through a twin-track approach of incentives and ecosystem-building interventions.
Under the Anchor Investment Support component, leading domestic and international manufacturers, brands and retail chains will be encouraged to establish production facilities within designated manufacturing zones.
The Turnover Linked Support component will incentivise higher production, capacity expansion and sustained growth.
The government expects the initiative to attract substantial investment while enhancing India’s competitiveness in the global sports equipment market.
PMVGSY Approved for Panchayat Empowerment
The Cabinet further approved the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Gram Swaraj Yojana (PMVGSY) as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme with an outlay of ₹7,395 crore for five years from 2026-27 to 2030-31.
The scheme aims to transform Panchayats into empowered, self-reliant, accountable and high-performing institutions in line with the vision of a Viksit Bharat.
It will cover more than 2.78 lakh rural local bodies and traditional local institutions across States and Union Territories and is expected to directly benefit around 32 lakh elected representatives, Panchayat functionaries and stakeholders.
DA Hike for Government Employees and Pensioners
In another significant decision, the Cabinet approved a 3 per cent increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) with effect from July 1, 2026.
The move will benefit over 48 lakh Central Government employees and about 68 lakh pensioners.
According to the government, the annual financial impact on the exchequer will exceed ₹10,000 crore.
