CM Baghel makes announcements of Rs 2000 crore during supplementary budget, announces 27% salary hike for contractual workers

Raipur: In a significant move aimed at uplifting government employees and contractual workers, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel announced a series of measures during the supplementary budget with a total outlay of Rs. 2000 crore. The announcements encompass various sectors, focusing on better remuneration and benefits for those serving the state.

For the 5 lakh government employees, a 4 per cent increase in dearness allowance was granted, translating to an impressive 42 per cent rise on their basic salary. This commendable step by the state government would incur an additional expense of Rs 800 crore.

In another welcome decision, 37,000 contractual workers will witness a substantial 27 per cent increase in their salaries, entailing an extra expenditure of Rs 350 crore.

The state government also showed its commitment to support daily wage earners, with a remarkable monthly salary increment of Rs 4000, incurring an additional cost of Rs 240 crore.

Education received a boost too, with 1650 guest teachers receiving a raise of Rs. 2 thousand per month, adding Rs. 4 crore to the state’s expenses. Additionally, 6000 patwaris will now receive a monthly resource allowance of Rs. 500, with the government setting aside Rs. 4 crore for this purpose.

In an effort to improve living conditions for government employees, the state government has introduced a house rent allowance of 9 percent for B class cities and 6 percent for C and other cities based on the 7th pay scale. This move, requiring an extra expenditure of Rs. 265 crore, is expected to ease financial burdens on government personnel.

Police constables are not left behind, as they will benefit from an annual allowance of Rs. 8000, resulting in an additional cost of Rs. 40 crore for the state.

Healthcare workers were also recognized for their dedication. Mitanin trainers, block coordinators, and help desk operators will now receive a daily incentive allowance of Rs. 100, amounting to Rs. 11 crore of additional expenditure for the state.

In a significant step towards rural development, ten thousand Panchayat Secretaries will be provided with a monthly allowance of Rs. 2500 to 3000. The state has allocated Rs. 50 crore for this purpose, and they will also enjoy additional benefits like earned leave, ex-gratia up to Rs. 10 lakh, and medical expense reimbursement of up to Rs. 5 lakh.

In addition to these employee-centric measures, the Chief Minister’s Special Health Assistance Scheme (Mukhyamantri Vishesh Swasthya Sahayta Yojana) witnessed an increase in the maximum aid from Rs. 20 lakh to Rs. 25 lakh, providing further support to families in need.

To address housing concerns faced by the economically weaker sections, the state government has launched the Grameen Aawas NYAY Yojana with a budget of Rs. 100 crore. This initiative aims to ensure that deserving families receive housing assistance promptly.

With an outlay of Rs. 1764 crore to implement the various employee-focused announcements, the Chief Minister’s supplementary budget reflects a clear commitment towards the welfare of the state’s workforce and the overall development of Chhattisgarh.