Raipur, October 16, 2024 — In a significant Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai, several crucial decisions were made to benefit farmers, cooperative society workers, and rural communities. Key policies were approved regarding paddy procurement for the Kharif marketing year 2024-25, along with measures to streamline recruitment and enhance infrastructure development.
One of the primary decisions was the approval of the state’s paddy procurement policy for 2024-25. Starting November 14, farmers in Chhattisgarh will be able to sell their paddy at the government-set support price, with procurement continuing until January 31, 2025. The Agriculture Department’s Integrated Kisan Portal will continue farmer registration until October 31, and an estimated 160 lakh tonnes of paddy are expected to be procured. The biometric verification system from previous years will remain in place, and electronic weighing machines will be used at all procurement centers. The Cabinet also approved the purchase of 4.02 lakh bundles of new jute sacks for this process.
In a move aimed at cooperative society workers, the Cabinet decided to pay data entry operators an honorarium of ₹18,420 per month for 12 months. This measure, covering the Kharif season, will incur a total cost of ₹60.54 crore.
The Cabinet also approved the withdrawal of 49 politically motivated cases from the courts, following the recommendation of a sub-committee.
Additionally, a one-time relaxation of five years in the maximum age limit was granted for candidates applying for the positions of Subedar, Sub-Inspector, and Platoon Commander in the Chhattisgarh Police. The age limit, including relaxations, will not exceed 45 years.
In rural areas, the Cabinet approved the Chhattisgarh Rural Drinking Water Operation and Maintenance Rules, 2024, to ensure clean drinking water to every household in Gram Panchayats. Panchayat General Administration Committees will oversee water operations, manage finances, and address complaints.
Another significant decision involved providing compassionate appointments to the dependents of deceased Teacher (Panchayat) cadre employees, amending previous policies to ensure timely employment for eligible dependents.
Other key decisions included state honors and financial assistance of ₹25,000 for the families of deceased democracy fighters, enhancements to excise holograms for liquor bottles, and special investment incentive packages for steel, ethanol, and cement projects under the state’s industrial policy.
