TFP Bureau, Raipur, September 9, 2025: The Chhattisgarh Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai at Mantralaya (Mahanadi Bhawan) today, approved several far-reaching decisions aimed at honouring sacrifices, boosting renewable energy, strengthening institutions, and extending welfare to senior journalists.
Compassionate Appointment for Martyr’s Wife
The Cabinet paid heartfelt tribute to Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Shri Akash Rao Girepunje, who laid down his life during an anti-Naxal operation in Sukma on June 9, 2025. The young officer was killed in a bomb blast while leading his team against extremists, an act described as a symbol of “supreme courage and duty towards the nation.” As a mark of respect and in recognition of his sacrifice, the Cabinet approved a compassionate appointment for his wife, Smt. Sneha Girepunje, who will be inducted into the State Police Service as a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP). This is being considered a rare and special case of direct DySP-level appointment, underscoring the state’s resolve to stand firmly with the families of its martyrs.
Major Amendments to State Solar Energy Policy
In a landmark decision, the Cabinet approved amendments to the State Solar Energy Policy with an objective to significantly expand renewable energy adoption and reduce reliance on conventional sources. The revised policy will remain valid till 2030 or until a new solar policy is notified by the government.
The Cabinet has granted priority industry status to solar energy projects under the state’s industrial policy, unlocking wide-ranging benefits for investors and entrepreneurs. These include:
- Interest subsidies and capital cost subsidies for micro-industries.
- GST reimbursement for small, medium, and large industries.
- Concessions in electricity duty and stamp duty.
- Subsidies for preparation of project reports.
- Relaxations in land use conversion fees.
- Land acquisition support through the state land bank.
- Premium exemptions on land allotment for entrepreneurs belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and members of the third gender community.
- Employment-linked subsidies for employing persons with disabilities.
- Special incentive packages for mega and ultra-mega solar projects.
Officials said the policy reforms are expected to generate large-scale investment in the state’s energy sector, create jobs, and position Chhattisgarh as a hub of clean and sustainable energy in the years to come.
New PSC Chairperson Appointed
The Cabinet approved the appointment of Ms. Rita Shandilya as the new Chairperson of the Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission (PSC). Currently serving as a Member and Acting Chairperson, Ms. Shandilya’s elevation comes at a crucial time when the PSC is undertaking several key recruitment drives for state services. Her appointment is being seen as a move to ensure stability, continuity, and efficiency in the functioning of the Commission.
Enhanced Pension for Senior Journalists
In a welfare-oriented decision, the Cabinet doubled the monthly honorarium under the Chhattisgarh Senior Media Personnel Samman Nidhi scheme for retired journalists. The honorarium has been raised from ₹10,000 to ₹20,000 per month, a measure that fulfills a commitment announced in the 2025–26 State Budget. The decision was welcomed as recognition of the long-standing contribution of senior journalists in strengthening democracy and public discourse.
Focus on Balanced Growth
Officials said the meeting reflected the government’s balanced approach to governance—combining security, welfare, institutional strengthening, and economic development. From honouring a martyr’s family with dignity, encouraging clean energy investments, and supporting senior journalists, to ensuring leadership at the PSC, the decisions are expected to have wide-ranging social and developmental impacts.
The Chief Minister reiterated that the government’s policies will continue to prioritize both the welfare of individuals who serve the state and long-term strategies for growth and sustainability.
