Can Chhattisgarh's New Policies Transform Vehicle Ownership and Youth Innovation?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Retention of fancy registration numbers for vehicle owners.
- Support for 50,000 students through the Student Start-up and Innovation Policy.
- Creation of the Chhattisgarh Capital Region Development Authority.
- Enhancements in urban planning and development.
- Measures to expedite tax case resolutions.
Raipur, July 11 (NationPress) The Chhattisgarh government has made significant strides with a focus on road safety, pollution control, youth empowerment, and inclusive development.
One of the major changes is the amendment to the Chhattisgarh Motor Vehicles Taxation Act, 1991, which permits vehicle owners to keep their fancy registration numbers from older vehicles when registering new ones or transferring them from other states, contingent on a fee.
However, this fee will not apply to government vehicles.
These initiatives aim to minimize accidents linked to aging vehicles and mitigate environmental challenges.
In an effort to promote innovation among the youth, the Cabinet has also endorsed the Student Start-up and Innovation Policy.
This program is focused on 50,000 students across 100 technical institutions, aiming to support 500 prototypes and incubate 150 start-ups, particularly in tribal areas and sectors like agriculture, green energy, and health.
To improve administrative efficiency, the Cabinet approved the establishment of 30 non-numerical posts to elevate the senior grade pay scales for State Police Service officers from the 2005 to 2009 batches.
Additionally, a collaborative venture between the state and Pan IIT Alumni Reach for India Foundation was authorized.
This non-profit initiative will provide vocational training, foreign language education, and entrepreneurship support to economically disadvantaged youth, women, and third-gender individuals from tribal and marginalized communities.
Urban development is set to receive a substantial boost with the approval of a Bill to create the Chhattisgarh Capital Region Development Authority, modeled after the National Capital Region.
This authority will oversee planned growth in Raipur, Durg-Bhilai, and Naya Raipur, anticipating a population of 50 lakh by 2031.
Other notable approvals included revisions to the Private University Act, Krishi Upaj Mandi Act, GST Act, and Land Revenue Code.
The Cabinet also passed a Bill aimed at accelerating the resolution of pending tax cases, providing relief to small and medium traders.
These newly amended Bills will be presented during the Monsoon Session of the state Assembly, set to take place from July 14 to 18, with five meetings scheduled.
The session is poised to be contentious, as the Opposition is expected to voice concerns over fertilizer distribution and the rising crime rate across the state.