TFP Bureau, Raipur, November 26, 2024: In today’s Cabinet meeting held at Mantralaya (Mahanadi Bhavan), chaired by Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, several important decisions were made aimed at boosting agriculture, promoting green energy, improving housing infrastructure, and enhancing the state’s education system.
Among the key decisions:
Gram Procurement for PDS: The Cabinet approved the procurement of gram (chana) through the NeML e-auction platform for distribution to eligible beneficiaries under the Public Distribution System (PDS), managed by the State Civil Supplies Corporation.
Withdrawal of Political Cases: In a move aimed at promoting public interest, the Cabinet endorsed the recommendation of a sub-committee to withdraw 54 politically-motivated cases from courts.
Maize Procurement and Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan: For the Kharif marketing year 2024-25, NAFED and NCCF were appointed as procurement agencies for maize crops. The agencies will also procure pulses, oilseeds, and other crops like chana and mustard under the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan scheme.
Advanced Seed Procurement: The Cabinet approved a significant decision to ensure farmers in Chhattisgarh receive high-quality seeds at affordable prices by directly procuring seeds from Central Nodal Seed Agencies. This move will benefit the Chhattisgarh State Seed and Agriculture Development Corporation, which will be exempt from certain procurement rules.
Hydropower and Green Energy Initiatives: In a bid to encourage the growth of hydropower and green energy in the state, the Cabinet eliminated the Green Energy Development Fee of Rs 1 lakh per MW for the first five years under the Chhattisgarh State Hydropower Project Policy 2023. The fee increase provision was also scrapped.
Centralized School Examinations: The Cabinet authorized the centralization of examinations for Class 5 and Class 8 students across the state to streamline the process and ensure uniform standards.
MoU with HUDCO for Urban Development: The Cabinet approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Housing and Urban Development Corporation Limited (HUDCO) for providing financial, advisory, and capacity-building services for housing and urban development projects in Chhattisgarh. HUDCO is set to extend up to Rs 1 lakh crore in financial assistance over the next five years.
Exemption for Chhattisgarh Housing Board: To promote affordable housing, the Cabinet exempted the Chhattisgarh Housing Board from diversion fees, premiums, penalties, and land revenue charges for residential land acquisition. This will directly benefit homebuyers in Housing Board projects.
Residential Plot Conversions: The Cabinet also approved waivers for diversion fees and penalties related to the conversion of residential plots to freehold status under the Housing Board.
These decisions underscore the state government’s ongoing commitment to fostering economic growth and improving the welfare of its citizens across various sectors, from agriculture and education to green energy and urban development.
