Cabinet Meeting

Date: November 26, 2024

The Cabinet meeting was held today at Mantralaya (Mahanadi Bhavan), under the chairmanship Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai. Several significant decisions were taken during the meeting:

• The Cabinet approved the procurement of gram (chana) for distribution to eligible beneficiaries under the Public Distribution System (PDS) through the NeML e-auction platform by the State Civil Supplies Corporation.
• The Cabinet endorsed the withdrawal of 54 cases related purely to political movements, as recommended by the Cabinet sub-committee, from the courts in the public interest.
• For the Kharif marketing year 2024-25, the Cabinet decided to appoint NAFED and NCCF as procurement agencies for maize crops. Additionally, under the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan, these agencies will procure pulses and oilseeds in the Kharif season and chana, lentils, and mustard in the Rabi marketing season 2025-26.
• A significant decision was taken to ensure the availability of advanced seeds to farmers in Chhattisgarh at reasonable prices. The Cabinet approved the direct procurement of seeds from Central Nodal Seed Agencies empaneled by the Government of India, granting the Chhattisgarh State Seed and Agriculture Development Corporation an exemption from Rule 4 of the Chhattisgarh State Store Purchase Rules, 2002.
• The Cabinet decided to eliminate the Green Energy Development Fee of Rs 1 lakh per MW per year, which was to be charged for the first five years from the date of commercial production under the Chhattisgarh State Hydropower Project (Pump Storage-Based) Establishment Policy 2023. The provision for a 25% fee increase every five years was also abolished to encourage hydropower and green energy production in the state.
• The Cabinet authorized the School Education Department to centralize examinations for Class 5 and Class 8 across the state.
• The Cabinet has given approval for a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Housing and Urban Development Corporation Limited (HUDCO) to secure financial, advisory, and capacity-building services for housing, urban development, and other projects in Chhattisgarh. HUDCO has proposed extending financial assistance of up to Rs 1 lakh crore over the next five years.
• The Cabinet decided to exempt the Chhattisgarh Housing Board from diversion fees, premium, penalties, and land revenue applicable under state regulations for land acquired for residential purposes. This move aims to benefit homebuyers in housing board projects.
• The Cabinet approved waivers of diversion fees and penalties for residential plots converted to freehold status by the Chhattisgarh Housing Board.

These decisions reflect the state government’s commitment to promoting agricultural development, green energy, housing, and education while ensuring public welfare and economic progress.