On the final day of the Chhattisgarh Assembly budget session, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government led by Vishnu Deo Sai approved the Chhattisgarh Cess Amendment Bill 2026. This bill eliminates the 12% cess imposed on land registrations in the state, offering approximately 150 crore rupees in annual financial relief to about 30 million residents by removing the additional burden on standard stamp duty during land transactions.
The decision is expected to boost investments, streamline business operations, and ease financial pressures on the public. The 12% cess was initially introduced by the previous Congress government to support the Rajiv Gandhi Yuva Mitan Club Scheme. During the Assembly discussions, Opposition members raised concerns about the alleged misuse of around 52 crore rupees from public funds without proper registration or audit of the scheme.
BJP Kurud MLA Ajay Chandrakar called for a thorough investigation and recovery of misused funds by accountable officials. Following intense debates, the Bill was passed, providing immediate relief to citizens by waiving extra stamp duty charges. Additionally, the Assembly approved the “Chhattisgarh Prevention of Unfair Means in Public Recruitment and Professional Examinations Bill 2026,” aimed at preventing paper leaks and fraudulent activities in government recruitment and competitive exams.
