Highlights: Cabinet briefing by Finance Minister P Chidambaram

New Delhi: Finance Minister P Chidambaram briefed the Cabinet today. Here are the highlights of what the Cabinet has approved:

• GSAT 15 and GSAT16 communication satellites- GSAT 15 estimate Rs 860 crore

• Pawan Hans helicopter services- Subsidised helicopter services to Lakshadweep islands for another 5 years
  

• Mumbai Metro- Conversion of state-level project into joint venture, state project to be completed in six years from the date of start of work. Estimate of Rs 23,136 crore for Mumbai Metro Line 3.
  

• Independent regulator in coal sector- Coal regulatory bill to be introduced in Parliament, will be passed as early as possible. Pending passage of the Bill, coal regulator will be set up through an executive order.

• University will serve as an international center of higher learning, promote universal friendship, estimated cost Rs 3,532 crore