Raipur: The cabinet chaired by Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai decided to conduct an EOW investigation into allegations of corruption in the implementation of the Bharatmala Project in Chhattisgarh. The cabinet meeting was held at the Chief Minister’s Residence Office.
The Council of Ministers approved the Chhattisgarh Naxalite Surrender/Victim Relief and Rehabilitation Policy-2025, replacing the previous 2023 policy. The new initiative aims to address the Naxal issue by offering financial assistance, rehabilitation, education, employment, and security to surrendered Maoists.
The cabinet also approved the Chhattisgarh State Industrial Security Force Bill-2025, the Chhattisgarh Cooperative Society (Amendment) Bill-2025, and the Chhattisgarh Private University (Establishment and Operations) (Amendment) Bill-2025 in the format required for presentation in the Legislative Assembly.
Following the Chief Minister’s announcement on February 27, the cabinet approved the tax exemption for the film “Chhava”, agreeing to reimburse the State Goods and Services Tax (SGST) on ticket sales.
To enhance water resource management, the government decided to establish a State Water Information Center (SWIC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Jal Shakti. SWIC will collect and analyze data on rainfall, river and reservoir levels, groundwater quality, and other key hydrological factors. The digital platform developed by NWIC will aid in policymaking and strategic decisions.
Additionally, Rs 522.22 crore will be secured from the Government of India for upgrading nine water bodies, including the Maniyari Tank, Dudhwa, Sondhur, Ravi Shankar Sagar Project (Part-2), and News Rudri Barrage.
A new Chief Minister Good Governance Fellowship Scheme has been approved to engage youth in governance and policy implementation. The program will be conducted in partnership with IIM Raipur and the Transforming Rural India Foundation, New Delhi. Selected fellows will attend academic sessions at IIM Raipur and work with state departments, receiving a stipend and an MBA degree upon successful completion.
Leader of Opposition had raised concerns in the Assembly regarding a corruption in Bharatmala project matter, stating that the issue originated during their government’s tenure. However, he questioned whether the present government would initiate an investigation through a Legislative Assembly committee of MLAs or the CBI.
In response, Revenue Minister Tank Ram Verma acknowledged the allegations of corruption. However, instead of agreeing to the Leader of Opposition’s demand, he announced that the matter would be investigated by the Divisional Commissioner.
Later, during a late-night cabinet meeting, a proposal was passed stating that the investigation would be conducted by the Economic Offenses Wing (EOW).
