Raipur: The Chhattisgarh Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai at the Mahandi Bhawan Secretariat, took several significant decisions aimed at benefiting domestic electricity consumers, promoting renewable energy adoption, supporting local industries, and enhancing ease of doing business in the state.
Chief Minister Energy Relief Campaign (M-URJA)
One of the most prominent decisions announced during the cabinet meeting was the launch of the Chief Minister Energy Relief Public Campaign (M-URJA), effective December 1, 2025. The initiative is designed to provide substantial relief to domestic electricity consumers across Chhattisgarh.
Under the campaign, 50% concession on electricity bills will now be extended to domestic consumers for usage up to 200 units per month, up from the earlier 100 units. Additionally, consumers with consumption between 200 to 400 units per month will also be eligible for a 50% discount on the first 200 units for a period of one year. This benefit is expected to reach approximately 6 lakh consumers, enabling them to install solar plants under the PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme during this period.
Overall, the M-URJA campaign is projected to benefit 42 lakh electricity consumers in the state. The initiative complements the PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme, under which the state government provides subsidies of ₹15,000 for 1 kW capacity solar plants and ₹30,000 for 2 kW or higher capacity plants. This step is expected to encourage wider adoption of solar energy, moving consumers gradually from half electricity to nearly free electricity in the future.
Reforms to Promote Local Industries and Procurement Transparency
The cabinet approved amendments to the Chhattisgarh Store Purchase Rules, 2002, aimed at promoting procurement from local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and improving clarity on the GEM (Government e-Marketplace) portal. These amendments are expected to simplify procurement processes, increase transparency, boost competition, and save both time and resources for the state government.
Approval of Legislative Bills for Education and Business Reforms
The cabinet also approved the draft of the Chhattisgarh Private University (Establishment & Operation) (Amendment) Bill, 2025, a step aimed at strengthening higher education infrastructure in the state.
Additionally, the cabinet approved the draft of the Chhattisgarh Shop and Establishment (Amendment) Bill, 2025, aimed at amending the Chhattisgarh Shop and Establishment (Regulation of Employment and Service Conditions) Act, 2017. This move is intended to boost ease of doing business and facilitate employment generation by reforming operational regulations for commercial establishments in the state.
Focus on Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development
Through these measures, the state government demonstrates a dual focus on citizen welfare and sustainable development. The combination of electricity bill relief, solar power subsidies, and procurement reforms reflects Chhattisgarh’s strategy to promote renewable energy, support local industry, and ensure economic growth while maintaining transparency and efficiency in governance.
Impact and Future Outlook
With the implementation of the M-URJA campaign and complementary initiatives, Chhattisgarh is set to significantly reduce household electricity costs, accelerate the adoption of solar energy, and strengthen its local industrial ecosystem. The cabinet’s focus on legislative reforms and streamlined business operations is expected to enhance investment opportunities, foster entrepreneurship, and create job opportunities, further contributing to the state’s socio-economic development.
