TFP Bureau, Raipur, September 30, 2025: The Chhattisgarh Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai at Mantralaya (Mahanadi Bhavan), took several landmark decisions on Tuesday aimed at addressing employee welfare, empowering persons with disabilities, and strengthening special education in the state. The meeting also witnessed an emotional farewell to outgoing Chief Secretary Amitabh Jain and the formal induction of Vikas Sheel as the new administrative head of the state bureaucracy.
Short-Term Loans for Government Employees
One of the most significant decisions was the move to provide financial relief to government employees through short-term loans against their salaries. The Cabinet has authorized the Finance Department to invite proposals from nationalized and private banks, along with eligible financial institutions, to extend these loans on favorable terms. The objective is to ensure that employees have access to quick and affordable credit during times of financial urgency, reducing dependence on private moneylenders or high-interest loans. Once the selection process is complete, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will be signed with the shortlisted banks and institutions to operationalize the scheme. This decision is expected to benefit lakhs of government employees across the state, particularly during emergencies such as medical expenses, education fees, or unforeseen household needs.
Settlement of Outstanding Loan with NDFDC
In a major welfare initiative for persons with disabilities, the Cabinet approved a one-time repayment of an outstanding loan amount of ₹24.50 crore to the National Divyangjan Finance and Development Corporation (NDFDC). The NDFDC has been instrumental in providing concessional loans at 3 percent or above for self-employment and higher education opportunities to persons with disabilities in Chhattisgarh. The settlement of dues is expected to renew financial cooperation between the state and NDFDC, paving the way for smoother disbursal of future loans to beneficiaries. Officials noted that this move will not only help restore the state’s credibility with the corporation but also ensure uninterrupted access to credit facilities for thousands of disabled citizens aspiring to achieve economic independence.
Special Educator Recruitment Approved
Another crucial decision was the Cabinet’s approval for the recruitment of 100 Special Educators in the state. The Cabinet granted a one-time relaxation in the Chhattisgarh School Education Department’s Recruitment and Promotion Rules, 2019, allowing direct recruitment of these posts on the basis of merit, rather than the usual competitive examination process. The Finance Department had previously sanctioned the creation of these posts, but recruitment was delayed due to procedural hurdles. With this decision, schools catering to differently-abled children will soon have trained educators to provide focused and inclusive learning. The move has been welcomed by parents and advocacy groups, who have long been demanding an expansion of specialized teaching staff to address the needs of children with disabilities.
Transition in Top Bureaucracy
The Cabinet meeting also marked a significant moment in the state’s administrative leadership. The ministers and officials present bid a warm and emotional farewell to outgoing Chief Secretary Amitabh Jain, a 1989-batch IAS officer, who retired after a distinguished career spanning decades. Jain was lauded for his contributions to governance, policy reforms, and administrative efficiency during his tenure. At the same time, the Cabinet extended a formal welcome to Vikas Sheel (IAS 1994 batch), who has taken charge as the new Chief Secretary of Chhattisgarh. Sheel, known for his work in public health, development administration, and policy innovation, has been entrusted with steering the state’s bureaucracy under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai.
The decisions taken in Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting underline the state government’s twin focus on social welfare and administrative efficiency. By addressing the financial needs of government employees, improving facilities for persons with disabilities, and ensuring inclusive education, the government has sent a clear signal of its commitment to balanced development. At the same time, the seamless transition in the top bureaucracy ensures continuity in governance as Chhattisgarh moves into a new phase of growth and reform.
