Raipur: At a high-level Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai at Mahanadi Bhawan today, the Chhattisgarh Council of Ministers approved a series of impactful decisions aimed at benefiting state government employees, persons with disabilities, and the education sector.
1. Emergency Salary Loans for Govt Employees Through Banks
In a move that could benefit thousands of government employees facing urgent financial needs, the Cabinet approved a proposal to seek offers from banks and financial institutions to provide short-term loans against salaries.
The Finance Department has been authorised to take further action and initiate a process to identify eligible banks/institutions. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) format to be signed with the selected institution has also been approved. This move aims to institutionalise access to emergency financial assistance for employees in a transparent and regulated manner.
2. ₹24.5 Crore Loan Refund to National Disability Finance Corporation
In a landmark social welfare decision, the Cabinet approved the one-time refund of ₹24.50 crore to the National Disability Finance and Deoelopment Corporation (NDFDC). This amount represents the outstanding loan given to persons with disabilities in the state for self-employment and educational purposes.
The NDFDC offers loans at a highly subsidised interest rate of 3%, and this decision reflects the state government’s commitment to promoting inclusion and financial independence among differently-abled citizens.
3. One-Time Rule Relaxation for Recruiting 100 Special Educators
The Council also approved a one-time exemption from the School Education Department’s Recruitment and Promotion Rules-2019 to facilitate the direct recruitment of 100 Special Educators.
Instead of following the traditional selection test procedure, recruitment will be carried out on the basis of merit for this batch only. The Finance Department has already cleared the proposal for these new appointments, which are expected to strengthen the state’s inclusive education framework.
4. Bureaucratic Transition: Farewell to Amitabh Jain, Welcome to Vikas Sheel
The meeting also marked a significant transition in Chhattisgarh’s top bureaucracy. Outgoing Chief Secretary Shri Amitabh Jain (IAS:1989), who retires today, was given a formal farewell. The Cabinet also welcomed Shri Vikas Sheel (IAS:1994) as the new Chief Secretary of the state.
Shri Vikas Sheel brings years of administrative experience and is expected to play a key role in driving policy implementation under the current government.
