Key Decisions CG Cabinet Meeting: Major Relief for Road Contractors “Re:” Asphalt Prices; Employee Selection Board Now Under the General Administration and contractors will receive relief amidst the rise in bitumen prices

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai chairs the Cabinet Meeting on Tuesday May 26 , 2026 -Photo Credit -CG/PR

Major decisions taken during the Cabinet meeting chaired by the Chief Minister: the contract with Metal Scrap Trade Corporation Limited (MSTC) for scrap disposal has been extended by three years; the Staff Selection Board will now function under the Department of General Administration; and contractors will receive relief amidst the rise in bitumen prices.

Raipur: A significant meeting of the State Council of Ministers (Cabinet), presided over by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, was held on Tuesday May 26 , 2026 at the Mantralaya (Mahanadi Bhawan).

During this meeting, several major decisions were taken with the objectives of ensuring the uninterrupted continuation of the state’s development works, streamlining the administrative machinery, and enhancing transparency in government operations.

The Cabinet has granted significant relief to road construction contractors regarding the unexpected surge in the prices of asphalt (bitumen), while also giving its seal of approval to bring the newly constituted ‘Chhattisgarh Employee Selection Board’ under the purview of the General Administration Department (GAD). A detailed breakdown of the key decisions taken during the Cabinet meeting is as follows:

1. No Halt to Development Works: Contractors Receive Price Relief on Bitumen (Asphalt) Costs
   The State Government has taken a major step to maintain the momentum of road construction and maintenance activities. Following April 1, 2026, an extraordinary increase was recorded in the prices of asphalt (bitumen), driven by global market conditions and a surge in the prices of petroleum products. This situation had raised concerns that asphalt-laying works within the state would be adversely affected, potentially slowing down the pace of overall development projects.
   In light of this, the Cabinet has decided to provide limited and partial price relief (compensation) to contracted contractors for the period spanning from April 1, 2026, to June 30, 2026.

Relief Based on a Set Formula: This relief will be granted strictly in accordance with a predetermined formula, designed specifically to mitigate the impact of the sudden spike in bitumen prices. The existing escalation (price variation) clauses applicable to other construction materials will remain unchanged.
Decision Aligned with Central Government Policy: It is noteworthy that the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has also extended similar relief for National Highway projects. The State Government’s primary objective is to ensure that the public benefits from well-constructed, durable roads within a stipulated timeframe.

2. ‘Chhattisgarh Employee Selection Board’ Now Under Direct Control of GAD
   With a view to enhancing administrative efficiency, the Cabinet has approved a proposal to bring the ‘Chhattisgarh Employee Selection Board’ under the purview of the State’s General Administration Department (GAD). To give this change legal effect, necessary amendments will be made to the “Chhattisgarh Government Business (Allocation) Rules.”

Merger of Vyapam: It is noteworthy that following the enactment of the “Chhattisgarh Employee Selection Board Act, 2026,” the previously operational ‘Chhattisgarh Professional Examination Board (Vyapam)’ has been completely merged into this new Board. All assets and liabilities of the erstwhile institution have also been transferred to the new Board.

3. E-Auction of Government Scrap to Continue; MSTC Contract Extended for 3 Years
   To facilitate the transparent sale of scrap and obsolete materials lying in government offices, corporations, boards, public sector undertakings, and local bodies, the government has extended its contract with the Metal Scrap Trading Corporation Limited (MSTC) for a further period of three years.

Previous Contract Expiring on May 31: This selling agency contract had been in force since November 2019 and was scheduled to expire on May 31, 2026.

What Are the Benefits?

MSTC is a Public Sector Undertaking of the Government of India and provides a state-of-the-art e-auction platform. Through this platform, buyers from across the country purchase government scrap by placing competitive bids online. This system not only curbs corruption but also ensures that the State Government realizes the best possible value (revenue) for the scrap.

Offices to Become Clutter-Free: With the extension of this contract, individual departments will no longer need to issue tenders or advertisements repeatedly for auctions, thereby saving both administrative time and financial resources. Furthermore, the removal of scrap from office premises will ensure improved cleanliness and better space management.