In a significant move aimed at driving public welfare, youth empowerment, industrial development, and sustainable growth, the Chhattisgarh Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai held a crucial meeting on Thursday at Mahanadi Bhavan and cleared a series of impactful decisions designed to strengthen the state’s economy and improve citizens’ lives.
Exam Fee Reimbursement for Chhattisgarh Youth
In a landmark decision, the Cabinet approved a scheme to reimburse examination fees for local residents of Chhattisgarh who appear for recruitment tests and interviews conducted by the Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission (CGPSC), Chhattisgarh Professional Examination Board (CGPEB), and Special Junior Staff Selection Boards in Surguja, Bastar, and Bilaspur.
This welfare initiative is designed to reduce financial burdens on aspirants and encourage serious participation while discouraging ineligible or non-serious applications, ultimately aiming to cut state financial losses from mass applications.
Tax Relief for Small Traders
Offering long-awaited relief to small traders, the Cabinet amended the Chhattisgarh Outstanding Tax, Interest, and Penalty Settlement (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025. The amendment provides a waiver on pending VAT liabilities up to ₹25,000 for cases that have remained unresolved for more than 10 years.
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The move is expected to benefit over 40,000 small traders and reduce the burden of more than 62,000 litigation cases, fostering a business-friendly ecosystem for small enterprises across the state.
NIFT Campus to Be Established in Nava Raipur
In a bid to create new career avenues for young talents, the Cabinet approved the establishment of a National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) campus in Nava Raipur.
The project, under the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, will cost ₹271.18 crore — with ₹21.18 crore earmarked for land acquisition, ₹200 crore for infrastructure, and ₹50 crore for machinery and furniture. The state-of-the-art NIFT campus will offer undergraduate and postgraduate programs in fashion design, management, and technology, connecting students with the fashion industry for internships and placements.
Bio-CNG Plants for Sustainable Waste Management
Emphasizing environmental sustainability, the Cabinet approved the allocation of government land at concessional lease rates for the setup of Bio-CNG plants. These plants will process bio-waste and agricultural waste in urban areas, promoting green energy and waste-to-wealth solutions.
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The responsibility for project facilitation has been entrusted to the Urban Administration Department and the relevant municipal corporations.
Sugar Procurement for Public Distribution System
To strengthen the state’s Public Distribution System (PDS) and support local industries, the Cabinet approved the procurement of sugar from cooperative sugar factories in Chhattisgarh for the period April 2025 to March 2026. The procurement price has been fixed at ₹37,000 per tonne (ex-factory, excluding GST), ensuring fair pricing and promoting self-reliance within the sugar sector.
Heavy Equipment Plant by BEML in Chhattisgarh
In another industry-friendly decision, the Cabinet granted in-principle approval to Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) for setting up a heavy earth-moving equipment manufacturing plant in the state. The project will receive 100 acres of government land at a token lease rate, paving the way for local employment opportunities and strengthening micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the industrial ecosystem.
State Government’s Commitment to Inclusive Growth
These decisions mark another step forward in the Sai government’s commitment to inclusive development, youth empowerment, industrial expansion, and environmental sustainability. From reducing financial barriers for exam aspirants to incentivizing green industry and nurturing small businesses, today’s Cabinet decisions demonstrate a multi-sectoral approach to balanced growth in Chhattisgarh.
