Kumar Bahukhandi
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai chairs the Chhattisgarh Cabinet meeting at Mahanadi Bhawan , Atal Nagar , Nava Raipur on Wednesday July 8, 2026 , where a series of landmark governance, industrial and investment reforms were approved-Photo credit-channel24india.com via CMO
Key Cabinet Decisions
- India’s first Ease of Doing Business Bill approved.
- Direct Debit Mandate system to replace the Tripartite Agreement for power payments.
- Amendments approved for GST, VAT and Industrial Investment laws.
- Private University Act amended to strengthen quality standards.
- Bastar Fighters recruitment rules revised.
- NRDA OTS Scheme approved to provide relief to allottees.
- Water Pollution Amendment Act, 2024 to be adopted.
- Rent Control Act amended in line with the Model Tenancy Act.
- Government land allocated for a 2,000-seat auditorium in Rajnandgaon.
Cabinet approves India’s first Ease of Doing Business Bill, major tax and industrial reforms, power payment security mechanism, Bastar Fighters amendments and NRDA OTS Scheme
Raipur :.In a series of far-reaching decisions aimed at strengthening governance, accelerating industrial growth and improving the ease of doing business, the Chhattisgarh Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, approved 11 major proposals during its meeting at Mahanadi Bhawan , Nava Raipur on Wednesday July 8, 2026 .
India’s First Ease of Doing Business Law
The decisions span key sectors including power, policing, higher education, taxation, industrial investment, environmental regulation, rental housing and urban development, reflecting the government’s focus on administrative reforms and investment-friendly policies.
Cabinet ministers and senior officials participate in the Cabinet meeting that cleared 11 key proposals aimed at boosting investment, simplifying regulations and strengthening citizen-centric governance across Chhattisgarh at Mahanadi Bhawan , Atal nagar , Raipur on Wednesday July , 8, 2026-Photo Credit-channel24india.com via CMO
In a landmark decision, the Cabinet approved the draft Chhattisgarh Ease of Doing Business (Exemption and Facilitation) Bill, 2026, making Chhattisgarh the first state in India to introduce legislation specifically designed to simplify business regulations.
The proposed law introduces progressive provisions such as deemed approvals, self-certification, third-party verification, risk-based inspections, and the elimination of duplicate licensing requirements. These reforms are expected to significantly reduce procedural delays while creating a transparent and investor-friendly ecosystem.
Power Payment Security Mechanism Modernised
The Cabinet approved replacing the existing Tripartite Agreement with a Direct Debit Mandate (DDM) system in accordance with Reserve Bank of India guidelines for payments made by the Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company to Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs), including NTPC.
The move will ensure uninterrupted power supply while strengthening payment security without imposing any additional financial burden on the state government.
Major Boost for Industrial Investment
To attract new investments, the Cabinet approved amendments to the Chhattisgarh Industrial Investment Promotion Bill, 2026. The revised framework incorporates best practices from leading industrial states and aims to create a more transparent, efficient and investor-friendly business environment.
GST and VAT Reforms
The Cabinet also approved amendments to both the Chhattisgarh Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bill, 2026 and the Chhattisgarh Value Added Tax (VAT) Bill, 2026.
The GST amendments seek to simplify tax compliance and accelerate refund processing, particularly benefiting exporters and industries affected by inverted duty structures.
The VAT amendment proposes abolishing the Commercial Tax Tribunal, with pending appeals to be transferred to the Revenue Board following the establishment of the GST Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT).
Private Universities to Get Modern Regulatory Framework
Approving amendments to the Chhattisgarh Private Universities (Establishment and Operation) Act, the Cabinet introduced provisions replacing the existing endowment fund system with a Reserve Fund mechanism.
The amendments also strengthen infrastructure, library and academic quality requirements in line with UGC norms, encouraging the establishment of quality higher education institutions across the state.
Changes in Bastar Fighters Recruitment Rules
The Cabinet approved amendments to the Chhattisgarh Police Special Executive Force (Bastar Fighters) Recruitment and Service Rules, 2026, aimed at strengthening recruitment and service conditions for personnel engaged in anti-Naxal operations.
Relief for NRDA Allottees
The Cabinet approved the One-Time Settlement (OTS) Scheme-2026 for allottees of plots and constructed properties under the Nava Raipur Atal Nagar Development Authority (NRDA).
The scheme will provide relief in interest and surcharge dues, facilitate project completion, reduce litigation, encourage land utilisation and promote investment in Nava Raipur.
Environmental Compliance Simplified
The Cabinet approved adoption of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Act, 2024 in Chhattisgarh.
The amendment decriminalises minor procedural violations by replacing criminal penalties with monetary penalties, while simplifying the compliance and appeals mechanism to balance environmental protection with industrial development.
Rental Housing Reforms
Amendments to the Chhattisgarh Rent Control Act, 2011 were also approved.
The reforms seek to encourage owners to rent out vacant properties by clearly defining the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants, improving dispute resolution mechanisms and aligning the legislation with the Model Tenancy Act, 2021.
Modern Auditorium for Rajnandgaon
The Cabinet sanctioned the allocation of government land for constructing a 2,000-seat state-of-the-art auditorium in Rajnandgaon, which is expected to become a major venue for cultural, educational and public events.
