National Solar Mission approved by cabinet

"The cabinet has sanctioned Rs 4337 crore ($900 million) for the initial activities in this regard," Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni told reporters after the meeting of the cabinet presided over by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

In his Independence Day speech this year, Manmohan Singh had said the solar energy mission would be launched on Nov 14. But the launch date was put off as the government was not ready with its implementation.