Cabinet gives green signal for first NIFT campus in CG

Raipur: Chhattisgarh cabinet on Thursday has approved the establishment of National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) campus in Nava Raipur, in order to boost fashion education and industrial development.

The decision was taken in the cabinet meeting chaired by Chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai at Mahanadi Bhavan.

The proposed NIFT campus will be developed at an estimated cost of Rs 271.18 crore, with funding allocated for land acquisition, infrastructure development, and equipment. This initiative is poised to open new academic and career opportunities for the youth of Chhattisgarh in the fields of fashion design, textile design, fashion management, and fashion technology, officials said.

NIFT is among the country's premier institutions for fashion education, with 17 existing campuses across India in cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru, the new campus in Nava Raipur will become the 18th, and the first in Chhattisgarh.

The institute will offer undergraduate and postgraduate programs and will provide hands-on training through collaborations with the fashion industry, ensuring students gain both academic knowledge and practical experience. The campus is expected to generate employment, support local economic development, and strengthen the fashion and textile sector by producing technically skilled professionals.

Chief minister Sai said, "The NIFT campus in Nava Raipur will not only revolutionize fashion education in Chhattisgarh but will also serve as a catalyst for industrial and economic growth.".

Fees Refund to Aspirants

In another decision, the cabinet approved the reimbursement of fees to local youths of state who appear for examinations or interviews conducted by the Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission, Chhattisgarh Professional Examination Board, and Special Junior Staff Selection Boards in Surguja, Bastar, and Bilaspur.

This initiative is expected to motivate serious candidates, enhance participation, and discourage non-serious or ineligible applicants, thereby minimizing financial losses to the state exchequer.

Tax Relief for Small Traders

The cabinet also approved amendments to the Chhattisgarh Outstanding Tax, Interest, and Penalty Settlement (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025. As per the new provisions, VAT liabilities up to Rs 25,000 for cases pending for over 10 years will be waived off.

This decision is poised to benefit over 40,000 traders and help resolve more than 62,000 litigation cases, fostering a more business-friendly environment for small enterprises.

Support for Bio-CNG Plants

To promote eco-friendly waste management, the Cabinet has approved the allocation of govt land at concessional lease rates for the development of Bio-CNG plants that will process bio-waste and agricultural waste in urban areas. The Urban Administration Department and concerned municipal bodies have been authorized to proceed with the implementation.

Industrial Boost Through BEML Unit

To generate local employment and encourage micro and small industries, the Cabinet gave in-principle approval to Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) for setting up a heavy earth-moving equipment manufacturing plant in Chhattisgarh. The state will provide 100 acres of land at a token rate to support the establishment.