RAIPUR,CG,BHARAT: The Chhattisgarh cabinet on Monday approved the Chhattisgarh Municipal Corporation Act, 1956 (Amendment) Ordinance, 2024 and the Chhattisgarh Municipal Corporation Act, 1961 (Amendment) Ordinance, 2024. These amendments pave the way for the direct election of Mayors and chairpersons in Municipal Corporations and urban bodies.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai chaired the cabinet meeting held at Mantralaya Mahanadi Bhawan, witnessed several important decisions aimed at governance reform and welfare.

Before 1999, in undivided Madhya Pradesh, Mayors and Chairpersons were elected directly. The practice of indirect elections was introduced in 2019 through a gazette notification. The reinstatement of direct elections is expected to enhance democratic participation and accountability.

Increased Reservation for OBCs in Local Bodies

To ensure better representation of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in three-tier Panchayati Raj institutions and urban local bodies, the cabinet approved increasing OBC reservation in local body elections from 25% to 50%, based on recommendations from the Backward Classes Welfare Commission.

The Chhattisgarh Panchayat Raj Act, 1993 will be amended to reflect these changes. This decision aims to align representation with the proportion of OBCs in the population, ensuring inclusivity in governance.

Procurement of Gram for PDS Beneficiaries

The cabinet authorized the Civil Supplies Corporation to procure high-quality gram through the NeML e-auction platform for distribution under the Public Distribution System (PDS).

Currently, the government supplies 2 kg of gram at ₹5 per kg per month to 30.22 lakh Antyodaya and priority ration card holders across scheduled development blocks and Moda packet areas. The annual requirement of 72,052 tonnes of gram will now be procured to ensure uninterrupted supply to beneficiaries.