Chhattisgarh to Provide Housing for 47,000 Families Identified as Homeless

The Chhattisgarh BJP government has approved housing for over 47,000 families identified as homeless in a socio-economic survey conducted last year under the previous Congress regime. This decision was made during a cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai at Mantralaya in Nava Raipur, Deputy CM Arun Sao informed reporters.

Extension of Registration Period

Deputy CM Sao announced that the registration period for providing housing to homeless, economically weaker, and lower-class families in Nava Raipur has been extended by three years. The new deadline for availing this scheme under the Mukhyamantri Awas Yojana Rural is now March 31, 2027, instead of March 31, 2024.

The socio-economic survey conducted from April 1 to April 30 last year covered 59.79 lakh families and identified 47,090 families as homeless. These families were not included in the permanent wait list (PWL) of the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) -2011, which is required for eligibility under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Rural. Consequently, these families will receive housing under the Mukhyamantri Awas Yojana Rural.

Amendment to Procurement Rules

In another significant move, the cabinet approved an amendment to the Chhattisgarh Government Store Purchase Rules, 2002, as revised in 2022. Deputy CM Sao stated that all state government departments will now procure materials, goods, and services through the Government of India's Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal instead of the Chhattisgarh State Industrial Development Corporation (CSIDC).

This change aims to address corruption in government procurement following numerous complaints about irregularities in purchases through CSIDC. The existing rate contracts of CSIDC will be cancelled at the end of this month. The previous Congress government had banned purchases from the GeM portal, leading to increased procurement challenges and corruption allegations.

New Department for Good Governance

The cabinet also decided to establish a separate Good Governance and Convergence department. This department will focus on effectively implementing state welfare policies and good governance initiatives while addressing public issues.

Deputy CM Sao emphasised that reinstating the GeM portal system aims not only to curb corruption but also to restore transparency in government procurement. "The Sai government has addressed this issue with urgency," he added.

The new measures reflect the government's commitment to improving housing availability and ensuring transparent procurement processes.