Raipur, October 2026: Several important decisions were taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai at the Chief Minister’s residence office in Civil Lines, Raipur, on Tuesday.
1. Paddy Procurement to Begin on November 15 at ₹3,100 per Quintal
The Cabinet decided to begin paddy procurement from farmers across Chhattisgarh from November 15, 2026, for the Kharif Marketing Year 2026–27. During the procurement period, paddy will be purchased from more than 27.50 lakh farmers at the rate of ₹3,100 per quintal, subject to a maximum of 21 quintals per acre.
In a major decision in the interest of farmers, all farmers registered in the previous year and possessing an AgriStack ID have been declared eligible to sell paddy. They will not be required to register separately.
As farmers are registered on AgriStack, they will not need to bring their separate rin pustika (land and loan record booklet) to the cooperative society for selling paddy. The area under paddy cultivation has been digitally determined online through the Digital Crop Survey. Biometric-based procurement will be implemented to ensure that paddy is purchased from genuine farmers.
To provide farmers with a better and more convenient system, 360 new procurement centres are being opened. Consequently, paddy procurement will be carried out through 3,100 procurement centres this year. Instructions have been issued to ensure adequate arrangements at the cooperative societies.
The Cabinet also ratified the decision taken at the meeting of the Cabinet Sub-Committee regarding the disposal, through auction, of surplus paddy from the Kharif Marketing Years 2024–25 and 2025–26.
2. Electricity Bill Relief Scheme Extended Until March 31, 2027
The Cabinet decided to continue the existing concession on electricity bills for domestic consumers for consumption of up to 200 units under the Chief Minister Energy Relief Public Campaign (M-Urja) Scheme.
The eligibility period for monthly electricity consumption of up to 400 units to avail the scheme has also been extended from September 30, 2026, to March 31, 2027.
The decision will ensure that approximately 7.25 lakh domestic electricity consumers continue to receive electricity bill relief under the scheme.
3. Compensation for Contractors Due to Unprecedented Rise in Bitumen Prices
Considering the extraordinary increase in bitumen (asphalt) prices, the Chhattisgarh Cabinet decided to provide price relief (compensation) to contractors undertaking state-funded road construction, renovation and maintenance works under the Chhattisgarh Rural Road Development Agency and the Public Works Department.
For works undertaken through the Chhattisgarh Rural Road Development Agency, the state government will provide ₹130.88 crore as a budgetary grant to compensate contractors for the actual quantity of bitumen purchased and used between April 1, 2026, and March 31, 2027.
For state-funded road construction, renovation and maintenance contracts whose tenders were received before April 1, 2026, price relief will also be provided for bitumen purchased and used between October 15 and December 31, 2026. The additional expenditure on this account is estimated at approximately ₹70 crore to ₹100 crore.
The decision is expected to accelerate pending road construction works involving bitumen surfacing and help complete them within the stipulated timelines. It will also assist in meeting the targets set by the Government of India.
4. Cashless Medical Treatment for Government Employees and Their Dependants
The Cabinet approved an important proposal to introduce cashless medical facilities for state government employees and their dependent family members.
Under the new arrangement, government employees will no longer need to pay hospital treatment expenses upfront and subsequently undergo a lengthy reimbursement process. They will be able to receive cashless treatment at empanelled hospitals, while pre-authorisation and claims processing will be conducted online and digitally.
The decision is expected to provide immediate medical assistance and significant financial relief to government employees and their families, particularly in cases of serious illness and medical emergencies.
5. Approval for Chief Minister Infrastructure Mission-2026
The Cabinet approved the framework and mission guidelines for the Chief Minister Infrastructure Mission-2026 to make infrastructure planning, project preparation, quality control, monitoring and maintenance more effective, transparent and modern.
The mission will operate for five years, from the financial year 2026–27 to 2030–31, with a proposed total allocation of ₹500 crore, or ₹100 crore annually.
The Public Works Department will be the nodal department, while the Chhattisgarh Road and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (CGRIDCL) will serve as the implementing agency.
The mission will focus on preparing a master plan for the state's road network, data-based assessment of infrastructure requirements, surveys and advance preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs), digitisation of works through WAMIS and e-measurement books, GIS-based integrated planning, quality and road safety audits, and promotion of public-private partnerships (PPPs) and innovative financing models.
These measures are expected to enable objective prioritisation of projects, reduce time and cost overruns by completing preparatory work before tenders are issued, improve construction quality and strengthen coordination among departments.
The Public Works Department has been authorised to undertake the necessary steps for implementing the mission.
6. Chief Minister Tourism Development Mission Approved
The Cabinet approved the Chief Minister Tourism Development Mission for the overall development of tourism in the state.
With the objective of “Prosperity through Tourism”, the mission will operate for the next five years, with a proposed allocation of approximately ₹500 crore.
The initiative will focus on improving infrastructure, connectivity, facilities, safety and cleanliness at tourist destinations. It will also promote homestays, private investment and tourism entrepreneurship.
The mission is expected to create new employment and self-employment opportunities for local youth, women and self-help groups, while giving Chhattisgarh greater recognition on the national and international tourism map.
7. Permission to Initiate Withdrawal of Nine Cases Related Exclusively to Political Movements
The Cabinet permitted further action to withdraw nine cases related exclusively to political movements from courts in the public interest, in accordance with the recommendation made at the Sub-Committee meeting held on September 30, 2026.
8. Nagar Panchayat Koonra to Be Renamed Kunwargarh
The Cabinet approved the proposal to rename Nagar Panchayat Koonra in Raipur district as Kunwargarh.
Kunwargarh, one of the 36 traditional forts of Chhattisgarh, is known for its ancient temples, historical heritage and ponds. Over time, the name Koonra became commonly used.
Local residents had long been demanding that the Nagar Panchayat regain its historical identity under the name Kunwargarh. The Cabinet approved the proposal in response to this demand.
9. Special Incentives for Coal Gasification Projects
The Cabinet approved amendments to the Industrial Development Policy 2024–30.
Under the amendments, a special incentive package will be provided for coal gasification projects involving investments of ₹1,000 crore or more. The objective is to promote value addition through the use of the state's extensive coal reserves and encourage import substitution.
10. Approval for Katghora–Takhatpur–Mungeli–Kawardha–Khairagarh–Dongargarh Railway Project
The Cabinet approved a proposal to make 100 per cent of the equity investment for the 295-km-long Katghora–Takhatpur–Mungeli–Kawardha–Khairagarh–Dongargarh railway project through Chhattisgarh Railway Corporation Limited (CRCL), to facilitate its faster implementation.
The project is estimated to cost approximately ₹8,000 crore. Its equity component will be 25 per cent, amounting to around ₹2,000 crore, with the Chhattisgarh government and the Railway Ministry contributing approximately ₹1,000 crore each.
The state's share will be financed through the Mineral Development Fund, District Mineral Foundation (DMF) and the state budget.
The railway project is expected to improve connectivity in areas that currently lack rail services and expand access to new markets for industry, tourism, employment and agricultural produce.
11. In-Principle Approval for Five Projects Under Phase II of Redevelopment Scheme
The Cabinet granted in-principle approval to five projects under the second phase of the redevelopment scheme.
The projects will involve the planned redevelopment of government land and dilapidated assets at:
Government Poultry Farm, Durg
Veterinary Hospital campus, Ramanujganj
Police Lines in Jashpur and land behind Ranjita Stadium
Budhwari Market, Sakti
Rudri Chowk, Dhamtari
The projects will be implemented with private-sector participation under the public-private partnership (PPP) model. The initiative is intended to facilitate the creation of new government assets without placing an additional financial burden on the state government, improve land utilisation, increase revenue and generate employment opportunities.
12. Ten Acres of Land for Central Warehousing Corporation in Rajnandgaon
The Cabinet approved the proposal to allot 10 acres of land in Khaprikala village in Rajnandgaon district to the Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC) for developing storage facilities.
The land will be allotted at 75 per cent of the market value, calculated according to the prescribed guideline rate, along with the applicable annual land rent and prescribed infrastructure and environmental cess.
The decision will expand the district's warehousing infrastructure and increase the capacity for safe storage of agricultural produce and other commodities.
13. Multi-Fruit Processing Facility in Somni, Rajnandgaon, With Proposed Investment of ₹400 Crore
The Cabinet approved the proposal to allot 31.55 acres of Rajgami Sampada land in Somni village, Rajnandgaon district, to the Agriculture Development and Farmers' Welfare and Biotechnology Department for establishing a multi-fruit processing facility through the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB).
The project involves a proposed investment of approximately ₹400 crore and will establish a system for directly procuring produce from farmers.
It is expected to generate more than 1,000 direct and over 5,000 indirect employment opportunities. The facility will also provide fruit growers with improved facilities and market access for processing and marketing their produce.
14. Three New Posts Approved for Good Governance and Convergence Department
The Cabinet approved the creation of three new posts in the office of the Head of Department of the Good Governance and Convergence Department.
These include one post of Commissioner/Director, one post of Additional Director and one post of Expert at the Additional Director level.
The new posts are expected to strengthen administrative leadership, coordination and supervision, while bringing specialised expertise in public administration and legal matters. They will also help accelerate the effective implementation of policy and reform initiatives related to good governance.
15. Temporary Special Duty Officer Post at Forest Headquarters
The Cabinet approved the creation of one temporary post of Officer on Special Duty (Pay Level 16) for one year at the Forest Headquarters, Office of the Head of Department, Aranya Bhawan, Nava Raipur.
The post is intended to facilitate faster execution, coordination and supervision of work related to the PM Gati Shakti, PRAGATI and PARIVESH portals.
16. Family Pension Benefits Approved for Late Dr Rakesh Mohan Chandola's Eligible Family
The Cabinet decided to treat the service period of late Dr Rakesh Mohan Chandola, Associate Professor at Medical College, Raipur, from October 19, 1987, to January 7, 2022, as regular service for the purpose of family pension.
Based on this decision, approval was granted for payment of family pension, arrears and interest as admissible under the rules to his eligible family members.
17. Chief Minister Sports Excellence Mission Approved
The Cabinet approved the framework for the Chief Minister Sports Excellence Mission, which proposes a structured system for developing athletes from talent identification through to medal-winning performance.
A budget provision of ₹100 crore has been made for the financial year 2026–27.
Talent identification will be carried out through schools and selection camps, including talent hunts and the Chief Minister's Trophy. Selected athletes will be registered under AMS.
They will subsequently receive basic training at feeder centres, advanced sport-specific training at state sports academies, and specialised coaching, sports science support and performance analysis at high-performance centres.
Core and development groups will be created across 10 major sporting disciplines to provide targeted assistance and exposure to athletes with medal-winning potential. Their progress and support will be reviewed regularly on the basis of competition results and prescribed performance standards.
In the first phase, feeder centres will be established in Ambikapur, Bilaspur, Raipur, Durg, Jagdalpur and Jashpur.
The integrated implementation of the mission's various components is expected to develop a stronger sports ecosystem and prepare athletes to perform at national and international levels.
18. Amendments to Chhattisgarh Industrial Land and Building Management Rules, 2015
The Cabinet approved amendments to the Chhattisgarh Industrial Land and Building Management Rules, 2015.
The amendments are intended to simplify land-use procedures and improve the availability and accessibility of industrial plots. They are also expected to promote ease of doing business, reduce disputes relating to industrial land and buildings, and ensure productive use of vacant or surplus land through transparent e-auctions.
19. Amendments to Krishak Unnati Yojana for Kharif 2026
The Cabinet approved the proposal of the Agriculture Development and Farmers' Welfare and Biotechnology Department to amend the Krishak Unnati Yojana for the Kharif 2026 season.
Paddy will be procured from farmers at ₹3,100 per quintal.
Under the amended scheme, input assistance for paddy cultivation will be provided on a per-acre basis instead of a per-quintal basis. The decision is intended to encourage farmers, promote crop diversification, increase farm incomes and improve their socio-economic status.
It is also expected to encourage investment in improved seeds, fertilisers, pesticides, agricultural mechanisation and modern farming technologies.
