Discussion on new hostel buildings and key development issues for OBCs
State OBC Advisory Council meeting held under Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai
Raipur, March 18, 2026//
A meeting of the State OBC Advisory Council was held under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, where key decisions were discussed, including the formation of a separate directorate for OBC welfare and construction of new hostel buildings.
The Chief Minister said the government is committed to the educational, social and economic development of OBCs and minority communities, which include around 95 castes and sub-groups. He emphasised inclusive growth while respecting their social and cultural heritage.
For the development of the Backward Classes, the Other Backward Classes Commission and Welfare Commission has also been established. Additionally, the Lauhshilp Development Board, Rajakkar Development Board, and Telghani Development Board have been set up for this purpose.
To accelerate development, the state has established the OBC & Minority Development Department, along with bodies like the OBC Commission and various development boards. Budget provisions include Rs 150 crore for post-matric scholarships (direct benefit transfer), new hostels in multiple districts, and schemes for competitive exam coaching (engineering, medical, UPSC, CGPSC, SSC, banking, etc.). A new Mukhyamantri Shiksha Sahayog Yojana will provide financial support to students unable to secure hostel admission.
Currently, 55 departmental hostels have been approved for the Other Backward Classes (OBC). In the latest budget, post-matric hostels for OBC students have been sanctioned in six districts—Raigarh, Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur, Dhamtari, Raipur, and Jashpur.
During this time, other members of the State Backward Class Advisory Council offered important suggestions.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Shri Arun Sao, Minister for Backward Class and Minority Development Shri Shyam Bihari Jaiswal; Revenue Minister Shri Tank Ram Verma, Women and Child Development Minister Smt. Laxmi Rajwade, School Education Minister Shri Gajendra Yadav, Finance Minister Shri OP Choudhary, Chief Secretary Shri Vikas Sheel, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Shri Subodh Singh, along with a large number of other public representatives and officials.