Aaj Ki Janta

Raipur, April 17 (PTI) – In a significant policy shift aimed at curbing non-serious applications and streamlining exam processes, the Chhattisgarh cabinet has approved the reimbursement of examination fees only for local candidates who actually appear in competitive exams. This decision is part of a broader effort to enhance administrative efficiency and reduce wasteful expenditure.

The reimbursement policy will apply to exams conducted by the Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission (CGPSC), Chhattisgarh Professional Examination Board (CPEB), and the Special Junior Staff Selection Board catering to the districts of Surguja, Bastar, and Bilaspur.

The move comes after a surge in applicants last year when no fees were charged, yet only a fraction appeared for the exams, leading to wasted resources and unnecessary logistical burden on the state machinery.

The cabinet meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, also approved key financial and infrastructure-related measures, including:

• Tax Relief for Traders: The cabinet amended the Chhattisgarh Outstanding Tax, Interest, and Penalty Settlement (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, providing VAT liability waivers up to ₹25,000 for cases pending for over 10 years. Over 40,000 traders are expected to benefit, easing over 62,000 legal cases and creating a pro-business environment.
• New NIFT Campus in Nava Raipur: A National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) campus will be established at a cost of ₹271.18 crore, with ₹21.18 crore allocated for land acquisition, ₹200 crore for infrastructure, and ₹50 crore for machinery and furniture. The institute aims to empower youth with fashion education and boost skilled employment in the textile sector.
• Support for Sustainable Waste Management: The cabinet approved the allocation of government land at concessional lease rates for setting up bio-CNG plants in urban areas to process bio-waste and agricultural residue. This step aligns with the state’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
• Industrial Growth Boost: Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) has received in-principle approval to establish a heavy earth-moving equipment manufacturing plant. The state will provide 100 acres of land at a token rate, reinforcing Chhattisgarh’s industrial development goals.

These diverse measures collectively reflect the state government’s focus on administrative reform, economic ease, skill development, and sustainable growth.