THE Chhattisgarh Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai at Mantralaya in Nava Raipur on Wednesday, approved the ‘Mukhyamantri Startup and NIPUN Mission’ with an outlay of Rs 500 crore over five years to promote employment, skill development, entrepreneurship and innovation among the youth. Briefing the media after the meeting, Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao said Entrepreneurship Development Centres would be established in all 33 districts, along with 100 Emerging Technology Labs and five Industry Excellence Centres. The NIPUN JOB Engine will facilitate industry-aligned skill development and formal employment. The Cabinet also approved the Chhattisgarh Export Promotion Policy 2026-30 to develop the State as a leading export hub by strengthening export infrastructure, logistics and market access. The policy will promote exports of value-added agricultural and industrial products and provide exporters greater access to international markets through e-commerce, trade fairs and exhibitions. The Cabinet approved allotment of 10 acres of Government land free of cost at Tendua village to the Directorate General of Training, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, for establishing a National Skill Training Institute (NSTI) in Nava Raipur.

 

The institute, estimated to cost Rs 200 crore, will have modern academic, administrative and hostel facilities and train 1,000 candidates annually through long-term courses and 3,000 through shortterm programmes. In another decision, the Cabinet raised the maximum prescribed age for Government employees, employees of corporations, boards and autonomous institutions, contractual employees and Home Guards applying for other government services and higher posts from 38 to 45 years. Consolidated guidelines will be issued by the State Government. The Cabinet also approved four hectares of land near BIT College in Titurdih village for construction of a new Durg District Court building. As part of a land exchange with the Bhilai Steel Plant, 5.024 hectares of Government land at Pahanda village in Patan tehsil will be allotted to BSP in lieu of four hectares of land near BIT College registered in BSP’s name. The market value of both parcels is approximately equal. The move will facilitate construction of a modern district court complex in Durg, Sao said.