Chhattisgarh Cabinet approves power transco IPO, revamps Krishak Unnati Yojana
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
The Chhattisgarh Council of Ministers, chaired by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, on 9 June 2025 cleared a slate of decisions spanning energy, agriculture, transport, and mining — headlined by in-principle approval for listing the Chhattisgarh State Power Transmission Company Limited on the stock exchange via an initial public offering (IPO). Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao, briefing reporters after the meeting in Raipur, described the approvals as major steps toward the state's long-term development and economic strengthening.
Power Transmission Company IPO
The Cabinet granted in-principle approval for the Chhattisgarh State Power Transmission Company Limited to go public through an IPO. The listing is intended to open the company's growth story to ordinary citizens and institutional investors alike, while improving financial transparency and attracting fresh capital. The company's board of directors has been authorised to complete all procedural requirements for the offering.
Krishak Unnati Yojana Revamp
In a significant move for the farm sector, the Cabinet approved a restructuring of the Krishak Unnati Yojana effective from the Kharif 2026 season. To reduce over-dependence on paddy and encourage crop diversification, farmers cultivating alternative Kharif crops — including pulses, oilseeds, maize, kodo, kutki, ragi, and cotton — will receive input assistance of ₹15,000 per acre. Benefits will be disbursed through the Integrated Farmer Portal, AgriStack registration, and digital crop surveys, ensuring traceable and transparent delivery. The revamped scheme is also expected to promote water conservation and sustainable farming practices across the state.
Public Distribution, E-Buses, and Mining Reforms
On food security, the Cabinet approved procurement of chana via an e-auction platform for distribution in financial year 2026–27, authorising the Chhattisgarh State Civil Supplies Corporation to act with a maximum service charge of 0.25%. The existing arrangement has been extended for three months — April to June 2026 — to ensure uninterrupted supply for ration card holders.
Under the Prime Minister's e-Bus Sewa scheme, the Cabinet cleared a Direct Debit Mandate under the Payment Security Mechanism for operating 240 electric buses across Raipur, Durg, Bhilai, Bilaspur, and Korba. The initiative aims to curb urban pollution and expand affordable public transport in these cities.
In the mining sector, amendments to the Chhattisgarh Minerals Rules 2009 were approved, making RFID tags and vehicle tracking systems mandatory for mineral transport vehicles. A technology-based system for assessing mineral grades and quantities will also be introduced. Storage fees and security deposits have been increased, while ease-of-doing-business measures — including additional land approvals and integrated storage licences — have been introduced to curb illegal activities.
Other Key Decisions
The Yoga Department has been transferred from the Social Welfare Department to the Medical Education Department, with the aim of integrating yoga more effectively into the AYUSH system for better coordination in education, training, and research. Separately, the stamp duty exemption for land purchases by the Naya Raipur Atal Nagar Development Authority has been extended until 31 March 2028, to accelerate infrastructure development in the new capital region.
Taken together, the Cabinet's decisions reflect a broad push across sectors — from capital markets and farm incomes to urban mobility and mineral governance — as the Sai government looks to deepen both investment and welfare outcomes ahead of the next budget cycle.