The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF<\/a>) project for upgrading 2G mobile services to 4G at security sites in Left Wing Extremism, LWE areas.<\/p>\n While speaking to the media on the cabinet decision, Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur said that this will enable better internet and data services in these LWE areas and stated that the Project aims at upgrading of 2,542 mobile towers for providing 4G services in LWE areas at a cost of 2,426 crore rupees in 10 states including Uttar Pradesh, Chhatisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha and Maharastra. He said, alll the sites will be upgraded by BSNL at a cost of 2,426 crore rupees.<\/p>\n The Union Cabinet also approved Amalgamation of Consultancy Development Centre (CDC) along with its manpower, moveable assets with liabilities with Council of Scientific and Industrial Research of Department of Scientific and Industrial Research.<\/p>\n The Union Cabinet also approved revised cost estimate on \u201cSetting up of India Post Payments Bank. Anurag\u00a0 Thakur said, the facility of India Post Payments Bank will be available in all the 1.56 lakh branches of Post Offices for which additional 820 crore rupees will be spent. He said, currently 1.30 lakh branches are equipped with this facility.<\/p>\n The Cabinet also gave its approval to the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between India and Chile for cooperation in Disability Sector.<\/p>\n The Cabinet also accorded approval to the opening of a new Indian Mission in Lithuania in 2022. The Opening of Indian Mission in Lithuania will help expand India\u2019s diplomatic strength, deepen political relations and strategic cooperation, enable growth of bilateral trade<\/a>, investment and economic engagements.<\/p>\n