In a landmark Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai at his Civil Lines residence office, the Chhattisgarh government approved a series of transformative policy decisions aimed at inclusive development, sustainable energy promotion, and strengthening tribal livelihoods.
A major highlight was the extension of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe-equivalent educational benefits to certain communities technically excluded from these constitutional lists. Students from Dihari Korwa, Baghel Kshatriya, Sansari Oraon, and Pabia/Pavia/Paviya communities will now receive stipends, scholarships, and hostel admissions equivalent to Scheduled Tribes. Likewise, students from the Domra caste will get benefits equivalent to Scheduled Castes.
In a push for green energy, the Cabinet approved state financial support for rooftop solar plant installations under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. Beneficiaries installing systems of 1kW to 3kW or above will receive subsidies combining central and state assistance—ranging from ₹45,000 to ₹1,08,000 depending on capacity.
Housing societies and RWAs will be eligible too. The Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company Limited (CSPDCL) will implement the program with an installation target of 60,000 plants in 2025–26 and 70,000 in 2026–27, backed by budgets of ₹180 crore and ₹210 crore, respectively.
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In a landmark conservation move, the Cabinet approved the formation of the Chhattisgarh Tiger Foundation Society under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. The self-financed society, modeled on a similar institution in Madhya Pradesh, will work to conserve Chhattisgarh’s critically endangered tiger population (estimated at 18–20), promote eco-tourism, and fund community-based conservation and biodiversity awareness programs.
To promote tribal entrepreneurship and expand market access, the ‘JashPure’ brand—known for traditional herbal and mahua tea made by self-help groups—will now be transferred to either the state government or the Chhattisgarh State Industrial Development Corporation (CSIDC). This move is expected to boost agro-processing units, generate jobs for tribal women, and strengthen the rural economy.
Furthering educational development, the Cabinet sanctioned 100 acres of government land in Belgaon (Saja Tehsil, Bemetara district) to the Horticulture Department for setting up a Horticulture College under the Horticulture University.
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In a show of respect for police personnel who lose their lives in Naxalite violence, Clause 13(3) of the Unified Revised Guidelines–2013 has been amended. Now, any eligible family member of a martyred officer can be appointed on compassionate grounds in any department and district—breaking away from the earlier restriction to the same department or office.
Finally, the Cabinet approved the draft notification to establish the State Mineral Exploration Trust (SMET). Drawing inspiration from the National Mineral Exploration Trust, SMET will use 2% of royalty revenues from minor minerals for infrastructure, exploration, information systems, and logistics in the state’s mining sector.
