Chhattisgarh Cabinet approves Rs 500 crore AI Mission, BEML plant and major governance reforms

The government of Chhattisgarh on Tuesday approved a series of important projects for the state to boost the use of artificial intelligence, industrial development, digital governance, and infrastructure development.

The Cabinet has given in-principle approval to launch a Chhattisgarh State Artificial Intelligence (AI) Mission with a budget of Rs 500 crore for its five-year period, Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao said. Following the Centre’s IndiaAI Mission, the initiative will create 100 AI Data Labs, five Centres of Excellence, facilitate over 300 AI startups and train six lakh students and 1.5 lakh government employees. This mission also, in addition, will provide development of over 50 citizen services based on artificial intelligence.

The Cabinet also cleared the proposal to allot land to Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) at a concessional rate to establish the first HEM Equipment Manufacturing Plant in Chhattisgarh, which will be expected to pull in investment, boost MSMEs and provide employment opportunities for the state.

As part of this, the government permitted the adoption of the Works and Account Management Information System (WAMIS) by the Public Works Department, which will allow the digital processing of estimates, procurement, billing and monitoring of projects, enhancing transparency.

The Cabinet also updated the financial management reforms package approved by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for Rs 15 crore and revised the Village Roads and Development Scheme of the chief minister to speed up the rural infrastructure projects.

Besides, the government also sanctioned the introduction of a State Single Nodal Agency for the proper utilization of funds and debentures, which can be issued by Chhattisgarh State Power Generation Company Limited (CSPGCL) up to Rs 200 crore, along with it to beef up the power infrastructure set-up in the state.