TFP Bureau, Raipur, December 31, 2025: The Chhattisgarh Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai at Mantralaya (Mahanadi Bhavan) on Tuesday, took a series of far-reaching decisions aimed at strengthening the state’s financial management, supporting forest produce collectors and farmers, promoting industrial growth, and improving governance and policing systems.
Among the key decisions, the Cabinet approved the provision of a State Government guarantee for availing loans in 2026 for the procurement of tendupatta at the rate of Rs 5,500 per standard bag from tendupatta collector families. The move is expected to ensure timely payment to collectors, most of whom belong to tribal and forest-dependent communities, while strengthening the state’s minor forest produce economy.
In another major decision benefiting the forest produce sector, the Cabinet approved the provision of working capital to the Chhattisgarh State Minor Forest Produce Federation for the procurement, processing and sale of traditional millets such as kodo, kutki and ragi. Additionally, the Federation will receive a one-time, interest-free loan of Rs 30 crore to facilitate the purchase, storage, processing, value addition and marketing of non-nationalised minor forest produce. These steps are aimed at enhancing value addition, increasing incomes of forest dwellers and promoting nutritious millets.
The Cabinet also addressed long-pending financial liabilities related to the Chhattisgarh Rajya Antyavasayi Sahkari Vitt Evam Vikas Nigam. Approval was granted to make a budgetary provision of Rs 55.69 crore for the complete repayment of loans taken under State Government guarantee from five national corporations, including those catering to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Backward Classes, minorities and divyangjan. At present, the state government pays around Rs 2.40 crore annually as interest on these loans. With full repayment, this recurring interest burden will be eliminated. Moreover, upon receipt of No Objection Certificates from the concerned national corporations, the pending government guarantee liability of Rs 229.91 crore will also come to an end, resulting in significant long-term savings for the state exchequer.
Providing relief to rice millers, the Cabinet decided to double the incentive for usna rice milling from Rs 20 per quintal to Rs 40 per quintal. In a further relaxation, the minimum milling period required to avail the incentive has been reduced from three months to two months, a move expected to improve operational flexibility and encourage participation in the custom milling system. The Cabinet also approved a substantial reduction in stamp duty on bank guarantees furnished by rice millers for paddy procurement and transportation, cutting the rate from 0.25 per cent to 0.05 per cent.
To accelerate industrial development, the Cabinet approved amendments to the Industrial Development Policy 2024–30. The changes aim to remove inconsistencies related to publicity provisions, appointment of experts and issuance of service activity certificates. Officials said the amendments will strengthen policy implementation, improve the quality of investments, promote sustainable employment generation and create a more investor-friendly environment in the state.
In a move likely to benefit vehicle buyers and boost automobile sales, the Cabinet granted a 50 per cent rebate on lifetime road tax for vehicles sold during the 9th Auto Expo, scheduled at Science College Ground, Raipur, from January 20 to February 5. The concession will be applicable at the time of vehicle registration for purchases made at the Expo, offering a one-time relief in motor vehicle tax. Dealers across the state will be eligible under this decision, and necessary directions have been issued.
On the administrative front, the Cabinet approved the permanent creation of one post of Officer on Special Duty at Police Headquarters, Chhattisgarh, Nava Raipur Atal Nagar, at Pay Matrix Level-14, initially for a period of one year. It also took a significant decision regarding policing reforms by approving the implementation of the Police Commissionerate System in the Raipur Metropolitan Police District with effect from January 23. The move is expected to strengthen law enforcement, improve coordination and enhance public safety in the state capital.
Officials said the decisions taken reflect the government’s focus on fiscal prudence, welfare of farmers and forest communities, industrial growth and improved governance, while reducing long-term financial liabilities and creating an enabling environment for development across Chhattisgarh.
