TFP Bureau, Raipur; September 20, 2024: In a significant Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai at Mahanadi Bhavan, several crucial decisions were made regarding the reconstitution of various development authorities and the introduction of a comprehensive urban development policy.
The Cabinet approved amendments to the reconstitution orders of the Chhattisgarh State Rural and Other Backward Classes Development Authority, Surguja Tribal Development Authority, Scheduled Caste Development Authority, Mid-Area Tribal Development Authority, and Bastar Tribal Development Authority. These amendments aim to broaden the scope of representation within each authority, now including all state cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament (Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha), and District Panchayat Chairpersons from the respective areas.
Key Changes in Development Authorities
1. Chhattisgarh State Rural and Other Backward Classes Development Authority: The Chief Minister will serve as Chairman, with all cabinet ministers as members, along with local MPs and District Panchayat Presidents. The existing membership of 35 MLAs will remain unchanged.
2. Surguja Tribal Development Authority: The Chief Minister will chair this authority, with ST-reserved MLAs as Vice-Chairmen. The membership will now include local MPs and District Panchayat Presidents, along with nominated social workers and experts in tribal development.
3. Scheduled Caste Development Authority: The Chief Minister will serve as Chairman, with SC-reserved MLAs as Vice-Chairmen. The authority will now include all state ministers and additional members from the local area, maintaining the existing 10 MLAs.
4. Mid-Area Tribal Development Authority: Similar structural changes will apply, with the Chief Minister as Chairman and ST-reserved MLAs as Vice-Chairmen. The existing membership of 12 MLAs will stay intact.
5. Bastar Tribal Development Authority: The reconstitution mirrors the other authorities, with the Chief Minister at the helm and ST-reserved MLAs as Vice-Chairmen, while retaining the 12 current members.
Urban Development Policy Approved
The Cabinet also sanctioned a grant of Rs 4 crore 56 lakh from the Chief Minister’s discretionary fund for 262 individuals and institutions. Additionally, a comprehensive urban development policy (TDS) was approved to restructure land plots and implement development plans across the state. This policy aims to enhance the development of public utility land, curb encroachments, and improve civic amenities in urban areas.
The Housing and Environment Department has been tasked with issuing guidelines for the effective implementation of this policy, which seeks to address the needs of residential, commercial, and industrial sectors.
These decisions reflect the Chhattisgarh government’s commitment to enhancing development, ensuring broader representation in decision-making processes, and addressing urban challenges across the state.
