Chhattisgarh Cabinet Announces Key Reforms: Affordable Housing for 47,000 Families and Procurement Overhaul
The Chhattisgarh Government, under Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, unveiled a series of significant policy decisions aimed at addressing the housing crisis and improving governance in the state. These measures include the sanctioning of houses for over 47,000 families identified as homeless during the previous Congress administration and a strategic overhaul of procurement processes to combat corruption. This article provides a comprehensive examination of these developments and their implications for Chhattisgarh.
Housing for Homeless Families: A Major Step Forward
One of the most notable decisions made during the recent cabinet meeting was the approval to sanction houses for 47,090 families identified as homeless through a socio-economic survey conducted last year. This survey, carried out from April 1 to April 30, 2023, under the Congress government, aimed to assess socio-economic conditions across the state. The survey identified these families as homeless, yet they were not included in the permanent wait list (PWL) of the Socio-Economic and Caste Census -2011 (SECC-2011), a crucial criterion for eligibility under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Rural (PMAY-G).
To address this oversight, the current BJP administration has decided to extend the Mukhyamantri Awas Yojana (Rural) scheme to include these 47,090 families. This initiative is a significant move towards ensuring that the benefits of affordable housing reach the most vulnerable segments of the population. The Mukhyamantri Awas Yojana, a state-specific housing scheme, aims to provide quality and affordable housing solutions to the rural poor, thereby improving living standards and fostering socio-economic development.
Extension of Registration for Housing in Naya Raipur
In addition to the sanctioning of houses for the newly identified homeless families, the cabinet also extended the registration period for housing under the Mukhyamantri Awas Yojana (Rural) in Naya Raipur. The registration date has been extended from March 31, 2024, to March 31, 2027. This extension is aimed at increasing the accessibility of affordable housing options for economically weaker and lower-class families in the newly developed urban area of Naya Raipur.
Naya Raipur, envisioned as a modern and planned city, is being developed with the aim of providing better housing, infrastructure, and quality of life for its residents. The extension of the registration period is expected to facilitate greater participation in the housing scheme and ensure that more families can benefit from the planned affordable housing projects.
Overhaul of Government Procurement Processes
Another significant decision by the Chhattisgarh cabinet was the amendment of the Chhattisgarh Government Store Purchase Rules, 2002, as revised in 2022. The amendment mandates that all state government departments procure materials, goods, and services through the Government of India’s Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal, replacing the Chhattisgarh State Industrial Development Corporation (CSIDC) as the primary procurement channel.
This move is driven by the need to combat corruption and ensure transparency in government procurement processes. The previous Congress government had restricted the use of the GeM portal, which led to increased procurement challenges and allegations of irregularities and corruption. By reinstating the GeM portal for procurement, the BJP government aims to streamline the procurement process, reduce costs, and enhance the quality of goods and services procured by the state government.
Establishment of a New Department for Good Governance
The cabinet also approved the creation of a new department dedicated to 'Good Governance and Convergence'. This department is tasked with the effective implementation of state welfare policies, ensuring good governance, and addressing public issues. The establishment of this department signifies a commitment to enhancing administrative efficiency, fostering transparency, and improving the delivery of public services.
This new department will focus on converging various welfare schemes and policies to achieve more cohesive and impactful outcomes. It will play a crucial role in overseeing the execution of government initiatives and ensuring that they align with the principles of good governance and public accountability.
Way Forward
The recent cabinet decisions mark a significant shift in Chhattisgarh’s governance landscape. By focusing on housing for the homeless, extending opportunities for affordable housing, and reforming procurement and governance practices, the government aims to address both immediate concerns and long-term challenges in the state. The success of these initiatives will depend on their effective implementation and the ability of the new administrative structures to deliver tangible benefits to the people of Chhattisgarh.
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