Chhattisgarh cabinet nods for 100 acres land for BEML

RAIPUR,CG(INDIA): The Chhattisgarh cabinet gave in-principle approval to allot 100 acres of land at a token rate to Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) for setting up a heavy machinery manufacturing plant. This move is expected to boost employment and encourage local industries in the state.

A cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai was held on Thursday at Mahanadi Bhavan, where several key decisions were taken for the welfare of youth, traders, and overall development of Chhattisgarh.

To support youth appearing for competitive exams, the state government has decided to refund examination or interview fees for local candidates who attend exams conducted by the Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission, Professional Examination Board, and Special Junior Employees Selection Boards of Surguja, Bastar, and Bilaspur. It aims to increase the attendance of serious candidates and reduce unnecessary applications, cutting down financial losses to the state.

In another move, the government approved an amendment to the Chhattisgarh Outstanding, Interest and Settlement Ordinance 2025 to benefit small traders. VAT dues up to ₹25,000 in cases older than 10 years will be waived, benefiting over 40,000 traders and reducing more than 62,000 legal cases.

The cabinet also approved the establishment of a National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) campus in Nava Raipur. The project is estimated to cost ₹271.18 crore, which includes land, construction, and equipment expenses. This institute will open up fashion education and training opportunities for youth, supporting skilled employment in the fashion industry.

The government has also agreed to provide land at concessional lease rates to municipal bodies for setting up bio-CNG plants that process urban and agricultural waste, promoting sustainable development.

Additionally, sugar for the public distribution system will be procured from cooperative sugar factories within the state from April 2025 to March 2026. The purchase price has been set at ₹37,000 per ton (excluding GST) to support local cooperatives.