Cabinet Decisions – Under the Chairmanship of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai

Raipur : A cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai was held today at his official residence in Civil Lines, Raipur. Several important decisions were taken, including:

1. Educational Support for Marginalized Communities:
   The cabinet approved providing state-funded scholarships and hostel admissions to students from communities such as Dihari Korwa, Baghel Kshatriya, Sansari Oraon, and Pabia/Pavia, who are technically excluded from the Scheduled Tribes list. Domra community students will receive similar benefits as Scheduled Castes.
2. Boost to Solar Energy – PM Suryaghar Free Electricity Scheme:
   To promote solar energy and offer financial relief to consumers, the state will offer financial aid for rooftop solar installations under the PM Suryaghar Yojana. Support will range from ₹45,000 (for 1 kW systems) to ₹1.08 lakh (for 3 kW+ systems), combining central and state subsidies. 60,000 systems will be targeted in FY 2025–26 and 70,000 in FY 2026–27.
3. Chhattisgarh Tiger Foundation Society:
   The cabinet approved the formation of this self-financed society to protect tigers and promote eco-tourism. It will operate under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, supporting conservation, research, local employment, and environmental education.
4. Institutional Merger:
   The cabinet approved the merger of Vivekananda Institute of Social Health, Welfare, and Services (VISHWAS) into Ramakrishna Mission Ashram Narayanpur.
5. Horticulture College in Bemetara:
   100 acres of government land in Belgaon, Saja tehsil, will be allotted free of cost to the Department of Horticulture for establishing a horticulture college.
6. Brand Support for ‘JashPure’ Products:
   The state will transfer the brand ‘JashPure’ to the government or CSIDC to promote herbal and mahua tea produced by women’s self-help groups in Jashpur. This will expand markets and boost tribal women’s income.
7. Revised Compassionate Appointment Policy:
   In cases of police officers martyred in Naxalite violence, eligible family members (male or female) may now seek compassionate jobs in any department and location, rather than only within the deceased’s department.
8. State Mineral Exploration Trust (SMET):
   A notification was approved to establish SMET for systematic exploration and development of minor minerals. Two percent of royalties from minor minerals will be contributed to SMET for technological upgrades, infrastructure, and manpower development—modeled after the National Mineral Exploration Trust.