The Chhattisgarh Cabinet, under Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, has greenlit various significant measures covering legal reforms, welfare schemes, industrial policy, and mining regulations. One key decision involves forming a committee, led by retired Supreme Court judge Ranjana Prakash Desai, to draft a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) for the state. This move aims to standardize laws concerning marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption, and maintenance, which are currently governed by diverse personal laws.
In a bid to promote equality and streamline the legal framework, the proposed UCC aligns with Article 44 of the Indian Constitution. The committee, headed by the Chief Minister, will gather public and expert input before presenting its recommendations for legislative review. Additionally, the Cabinet has approved a 50% reduction in land registration fees for properties registered in women’s names to encourage female property ownership and enhance their financial autonomy.
Furthermore, the Cabinet has granted a 25% stamp duty exemption on property purchases up to Rs 25 lakh for serving soldiers, ex-servicemen, and their widows, aiming to assist them in acquiring permanent housing. Economic reforms include amendments to the Chhattisgarh Industrial Land and Building Management Rules, 2015, to enhance the business environment by introducing clear land allocation criteria and infrastructure provisions.
Moreover, the Cabinet has revised the Chhattisgarh Minor Mineral Rules, 2015, and sand mining regulations to improve transparency and regulatory oversight in the mining sector. The government plans to reserve sand mines for public sector entities to ensure a consistent supply and deter monopolistic practices. Additionally, stricter penalties for illegal mining have been introduced to combat malpractices effectively.
Expanding the Milch Cattle Supply Scheme to all social categories in collaboration with the National Dairy Development Board is set to bolster rural livelihoods and self-employment opportunities. The Cabinet has also sanctioned the procurement of vaccines from Indian Immunologicals Limited to enhance livestock health, ensuring timely disease control and increased productivity. Lastly, a structured settlement of Rs 10,536 crore in pension liabilities under the Madhya Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2000, has been approved by the Cabinet, with the remaining sum to be disbursed in installments.
