Chhattisgarh Allots Land to BEML for State's First Heavy Earth-Moving Equipment Plant; Approves ₹500 Crore AI Mission
The Chhattisgarh Council of Ministers, chaired by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, approved allotment of land at a concessional rate to Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) for setting up a Heavy Earth Moving Equipment manufacturing plant in the state. BEML is a Miniratna public sector enterprise under the Government of India.
This will be Chhattisgarh's first plant of its kind. Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao said the facility is expected to attract major investment, generate employment for local youth, and provide direct and indirect benefits to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the state.
In a separate decision, the cabinet approved the Chhattisgarh State Artificial Intelligence (AI) Mission, a five-year initiative with an outlay of ₹500 crore. The mission will establish 100 AI Data Labs and five Centres of Excellence, support more than 300 AI startups, and provide AI training to six lakh students and 1.5 lakh government employees. It is aligned with the Government of India's IndiaAI Mission.
The cabinet also approved a proposal allowing Chhattisgarh State Power Generation Company Limited (CSPGCL) to raise up to ₹200 crore through non-convertible debentures or bonds listed on the stock exchange, to support expansion of the state's power infrastructure. The state government will provide guarantees, including exemption from guarantee fees on repayment of principal and interest.
Separately, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) and BEML Limited have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on Metro rail projects in India and abroad.