RAIPUR: The Chhattisgarh Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, took key decisions regarding paddy procurement, electricity subsidies, road construction relief, healthcare, infrastructure and sports development at a meeting held at the Chief Minister’s residence office in Raipur.

In a major relief for farmers, the Cabinet decided to commence paddy procurement for the 2026-27 Kharif marketing year from November 15, 2026.

The government will procure paddy from more than 27.50 lakh registered farmers at ₹3,100 per quintal, with a maximum limit of 21 quintals per acre. Farmers registered under AgriStack last year will not need to register again, eliminating the requirement to submit physical land record books at procurement centres.

To ensure smooth procurement operations, the government has established 360 new procurement centres, taking the total number to 3,100 across the state.

Biometric authentication will be mandatory to verify genuine farmers, while land area determination has been completed digitally through a crop survey. Additionally, the Cabinet ratified the decisions of the Cabinet sub-committee regarding the disposal of surplus paddy from the 2024-25 and 2025-26 marketing years through auction.

Electricity Subsidy Extended

Under the M-Urja scheme, the Cabinet extended the eligibility period for a subsidy on electricity bills covering consumption of up to 200 units per month, for consumers with monthly consumption of up to 400 units. The deadline has been extended from September 30, 2026, to March 31, 2027.

The decision is expected to benefit approximately 7.25 lakh domestic electricity consumers.

Relief for Road Construction Contractors

In view of the sharp increase in bitumen prices, the Cabinet approved a price relief package for contractors engaged in road construction and maintenance under the Chhattisgarh Rural Road Development Agency (CGRIDCL) and the Public Works Department (PWD).

For CGRIDCL works, the government has allocated ₹130.88 crore in budget grants for bitumen used between April 1, 2026, and March 31, 2027.

For state-funded road projects tendered before April 1, 2026, price relief will cover bitumen used between October 15 and December 31, 2026. The decision is expected to involve additional expenditure of ₹70 crore to ₹100 crore.

Cashless Medical Facility for Government Employees

The Cabinet approved a cashless medical facility for state government employees and their dependants at empanelled hospitals. An online digital system will be introduced for pre-approvals and claims processing, making access to medical treatment more convenient.

Chief Minister Infrastructure Mission-2026

To strengthen infrastructure planning and development, the Cabinet approved guidelines for the Chief Minister Infrastructure Mission-2026.

The mission will run for five financial years, from 2026-27 to 2030-31, with a total budget of ₹500 crore, allocating ₹100 crore annually.

The CGRIDCL will serve as the executing agency under the Public Works Department, supporting the implementation of infrastructure development projects across the state.