The Chhattisgarh Cabinet on Tuesday gave in-principle approval to list the Chhattisgarh State Power Transmission Company Limited (CSPTCL) on the stock exchange through an Initial Public Offering (IPO), Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao said after a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai at Mantralaya, Nava Raipur Atal Nagar. Sao said the move will allow ordinary citizens and investors to participate in the company’s growth, while strengthening CSPTCL’s financial capacity and transparency. The Cabinet has authorised the company’s board of directors to complete the necessary procedures for the listing. The Cabinet approved a revamped Krishak Unnati Yojana, effective from the Kharif 2026 season, to promote crop diversification, boost farmers’ incomes and reduce excessive reliance on paddy. Under the revised scheme, farmers who cultivate Kharif crops other than paddy including pulses, oilseeds, maize, kodo, kutki, ragi and cotton will receive input assistance of Rs 15,000 per acre. Benefits will be disbursed based on AgriStack registration on the integrated farmer portal and results of the Digital Crop Survey, Sao said. The Government expects the measure to increase the area under pulses and oilseeds, improve farmer incomes, conserve water and bring long-term stability to the agricultural sector. To ensure uninterrupted distribution of gram to beneficiaries under the Public Distribution System (PDS) during 2026–27, the Cabinet allowed the Chhattisgarh State Civil Supplies Corporation to procure gram through the NeML e-auction platform at a service charge of 0.25 per cent or less. The Cabinet also approved extending the current procurement arrangement for three months, from April to June 2026.

 

The Cabinet approved transferring the subject of yoga from the Social Welfare Department to the Medical Education Department. Noting that yoga is an integral part of the AYUSH framework and involves education and research activities, the government said the move will improve administrative coordination and strengthen yoga-related academic, training and research programs. The Cabinet conveyed consent to the Government of India for the Direct Debit Mandate (DDM) under the Payment Security Mechanism (PSM) to facilitate implementation of the PM-eBus Sewa scheme. The approval paves the way for operation of 240 sanctioned electric buses across Raipur, Durg-Bhilai, Bilaspur and Korba, aimed at expanding modern, eco-friendly and affordable public transport, reducing urban pollution and improving energy efficiency. The Cabinet extended the stamp duty exemption for land purchases made through mutual agreement for the Nava Raipur Atal Nagar Vikas Pradhikaran until March 31, 2028. The extension is intended to accelerate land acquisition and support planned development and infrastructure expansion in Naya Raipur Atal Nagar. The Cabinet approved amendments to the Chhattisgarh Mineral (Mining, Transportation and Storage) Rules, 2009. The changes make RFID tags and vehicle-tracking systems mandatory for vehicles transporting minerals and introduce a modern, technology-based system for determining mineral grade and quantity.

 

Storage fees and security deposits for storage license holders have been increased. Under the Ease of Doing Business initiative, provisions were added to allow allotment of additional land to license holders and amalgamation of two storage licenses. The government said the measures will strengthen control over illegal mining, transportation and storage, enhance transparency and boost state revenue. Congress opposes Cabinet’s move: Chhattisgarh Congress has opposed the Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai-led BJP government’s decision to list Chhattisgarh State Power Transmission Company Limited (CSPTCL) on the stock exchange through an Initial Public Offering (IPO). Shukla said that Chhattisgarh’s power companies are self-reliant and that state possesses all the resources required for power generation. He added that the responsibility of transmitting and distributing the electricity generated within the state rests with the Power Transmission Company. The Congress leader termed the decision anti-public and demanded that the state government clarify its intentions regarding the proposed IPO.