Latest news with #OPChoudhary
Time of India
26-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Chhattisgarh GST dept busts Rs 1 crore tax evasion by medical supplier in Rs 48 crore govt supply scam
Representational image RAIPUR: Chhattisgarh GST department has exposed one of the biggest crackdowns of Rs 1 crore tax evasion scam linked to inflated medical supply contracts worth Rs 48 crore by a Raigarh-based firm accused of allegedly manipulating invoices and routed transactions through shell companies to dodge taxes and secure massive profits from govt health contracts. According to a press release issued by govt, 'The audit of the allegedly accused firm, M/s Shyam Surgical, which supplies surgical and medical equipment to govt hospitals across Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Odisha, is accused of evading over Rs 1 crore. The investigation, launched after a detailed audit of the firm's dealings with the state health department, revealed that M/s Shyam Surgical supplied medical goods worth Rs 48 crore over the last 4–5 years. The actual purchase value of these goods was just around Rs 10 crore. Authorities say the company inflated prices by up to five times, pocketing illegitimate profits between 400–500% on critical health supplies.' To mask the price inflation and evade taxes, the company reportedly set up three shell entities- Rahul Enterprises, Narayani Healthcare, and P R Enterprises, in the names of family members. These firms were allegedly used for internal circular transactions to simulate market-rate purchases and justify overpricing, thereby siphoning off profits while evading tax dues. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Your Finger Shape Says a Lot About Your Personality, Read Now Tips and Tricks Undo Acting on instructions from Finance Minister O P Choudhary, state GST department initiated the probe as part of a wider review of public procurement contracts. The enforcement action was part of a broader directive issued by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai who pushes for transparent governance and accountability, especially in welfare-related departments like health, the release stated. A senior GST official familiar with the investigation said, 'Such unethical profiteering on health supplies directly affects hospitals and patients who rely on the govt for affordable care.' Chief Minister, while commenting briefly on the development, said the govt views any corruption in essential sectors like health as a betrayal of public trust, and warned of severe consequences for violators. 'We will ensure that those exploiting the system for profit are held accountable,' CM said. State officials have issued fresh warnings to all suppliers involved in govt procurement, stressing that manipulating tenders, invoices, or tax filings will invite the harshest legal consequences.
Time of India
17-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Chhattisgarh charts ambitious 2047 growth vision to 15x GSDP, become services & IT hub
RAIPUR: Aiming to boost its Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) nearly 14 to 15 times by 2047, the Chhattisgarh government with NITI Aayog, has unveiled an ambitious roadmap with a sharp focus on transforming the services sector and investing in its youthful demographic. The vision document, titled 'Chhattisgarh Anjor Vision @2047', outlines the state's contribution to India's broader aspiration of becoming a $30 trillion economy by its 100th year of independence. The roadmap rests on three pillars: economic expansion, human development, and sustainable governance. Describing the vision document as more than just a compilation of words, the Chief Minister stated, 'This is a firm resolution and a clear roadmap toward building a self-reliant, prosperous, and developed Chhattisgarh. Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Developed India @2047' mission, this vision will guide the state to become one of India's leading developed states.' State Finance and Planning Minister O P Choudhary elaborated on the structure and strategy of the Anjor Vision @2047, describing it as a multi-dimensional strategy for inclusive growth, governance reform, and investment promotion. He noted the vision defines short-term (2030), medium-term (2035), and long-term (2047) goals across 13 socio-economic themes, including education, health, industry, infrastructure, logistics, agriculture, forest produce, investment, skills, IT & AI, tourism, culture, environmental conservation, and sustainability. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Indian Investors Are Buying These Dubai Apartments—Here's Why Binghatti Developers FZE Explore Undo 'The vision includes over 200 proposed initiatives, backed by measurable indicators and policy frameworks, to ensure effective monitoring and implementation. It aims to double the state economy in the next five years, grow GDP 15-fold by 2047, and increase per capita income tenfold. Plans include the creation of 5,000+ smart villages, 10+ smart cities, and positioning Chhattisgarh as a leading IT hub,' Choudhary said. Tripling the Services Sector Currently, Chhattisgarh's economy is driven primarily by the industrial sector, which accounts for 45% of its GDP, followed by services (35%) and agriculture (20%). The new plan seeks to increase the services sector's contribution from 35% to 50% by 2047, identifying it as the engine for future growth. Key proposals include rapid expansion of digital infrastructure, promotion of IT and AI-driven industries, and leveraging healthcare and education tourism. Plans are underway to generate over 10,000 jobs in IT services, establish AI data centers, and invest in logistics and tourism development. An excerpt from the report notes: 'The services sector is expected to expand rapidly, driven by growth in information technology, logistics, and tourism.' A Youth-Driven Economy With 41% of Chhattisgarh's population under 18, the report identifies youth as central to the development agenda. Emphasis has been placed on higher education, vocational training, and youth empowerment. By 2025, premier institutions such as NIFT, NFSU, and NIELIT are expected to begin operations in the state, joining existing centers like IIT, IIM, AIIMS, and NIT. In the longer term, the state aspires to attract institutes such as IISc, IISER, SPA, and NIPER, further strengthening its academic ecosystem. Manufacturing Backbone and Infrastructure Push While services are set to expand, the industrial sector will remain a cornerstone of the economy. The state is a leading national producer of steel, cement, aluminum, and key minerals like coal and iron ore. Chhattisgarh alone contributes 30% of India's iron and steel, 20% of aluminum, and 12% of cement output. However, the state continues to face infrastructure bottlenecks. As a landlocked region, lack of port access and low railway density remain challenges. Its road density (71 km per 100 sq. km) lags behind the national average (139 km). To overcome this, the report advocates for multi-modal logistics corridors, new railway lines, and upgrading Raipur airport into an international hub. Health, Happiness, and Sustainability The document dedicates a major section to human development under the banner 'Swasth aur Sukhi Chhattisgarh' (Healthy and Happy Chhattisgarh). Key health targets include reducing infant mortality from 38 to below 5, and increasing life expectancy from 65 to 84 years by 2047. The roadmap also emphasizes revitalizing tribal economies through sustainable use of the state's 44% forest cover. Proposed measures include promoting herbal farming, bamboo and honey clusters, and experiential tribal tourism—particularly around non-timber forest products (NTFPs). The Road Ahead To achieve the projected GSDP of Rs 76–78 lakh crore by 2047 (from the current ₹5.67 lakh crore), Chhattisgarh must double its economy four times in 23 years, maintaining an average annual growth of 12–13%.
Time of India
17-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Chhattisgarh's Vision 2047: 15-Fold GSDP growth, aims to become services and IT hub
RAIPUR: Aiming to boost its Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) nearly 14 to 15 times by 2047, the Chhattisgarh government with NITI Aayog, has unveiled an ambitious roadmap with a sharp focus on transforming the services sector and investing in its youthful demographic. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The vision document, titled 'Chhattisgarh Anjor Vision @2047', outlines the state's contribution to India's broader aspiration of becoming a $30 trillion economy by its 100th year of independence. The roadmap rests on three pillars: economic expansion, human development, and sustainable governance. Describing the vision document as more than just a compilation of words, the Chief Minister stated, 'This is a firm resolution and a clear roadmap toward building a self-reliant, prosperous, and developed Chhattisgarh. Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Developed India @2047' mission, this vision will guide the state to become one of India's leading developed states.' State Finance and Planning Minister O P Choudhary elaborated on the structure and strategy of the Anjor Vision @2047, describing it as a multi-dimensional strategy for inclusive growth, governance reform, and investment promotion. He noted the vision defines short-term (2030), medium-term (2035), and long-term (2047) goals across 13 socio-economic themes, including education, health, industry, infrastructure, logistics, agriculture, forest produce, investment, skills, IT & AI, tourism, culture, environmental conservation, and sustainability. 'The vision includes over 200 proposed initiatives, backed by measurable indicators and policy frameworks, to ensure effective monitoring and implementation. It aims to double the state economy in the next five years, grow GDP 15-fold by 2047, and increase per capita income tenfold. Plans include the creation of 5,000+ smart villages, 10+ smart cities, and positioning Chhattisgarh as a leading IT hub,' Choudhary said. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Tripling the Services Sector Currently, Chhattisgarh's economy is driven primarily by the industrial sector, which accounts for 45% of its GDP, followed by services (35%) and agriculture (20%). The new plan seeks to increase the services sector's contribution from 35% to 50% by 2047, identifying it as the engine for future growth. Key proposals include rapid expansion of digital infrastructure, promotion of IT and AI-driven industries, and leveraging healthcare and education tourism. Plans are underway to generate over 10,000 jobs in IT services, establish AI data centers, and invest in logistics and tourism development. An excerpt from the report notes: 'The services sector is expected to expand rapidly, driven by growth in information technology, logistics, and tourism.' A Youth-Driven Economy With 41% of Chhattisgarh's population under 18, the report identifies youth as central to the development agenda. Emphasis has been placed on higher education, vocational training, and youth empowerment. By 2025, premier institutions such as NIFT, NFSU, and NIELIT are expected to begin operations in the state, joining existing centers like IIT, IIM, AIIMS, and NIT. In the longer term, the state aspires to attract institutes such as IISc, IISER, SPA, and NIPER, further strengthening its academic ecosystem. Manufacturing Backbone and Infrastructure Push While services are set to expand, the industrial sector will remain a cornerstone of the economy. The state is a leading national producer of steel, cement, aluminum, and key minerals like coal and iron ore. Chhattisgarh alone contributes 30% of India's iron and steel, 20% of aluminum, and 12% of cement output. However, the state continues to face infrastructure bottlenecks. As a landlocked region, lack of port access and low railway density remain challenges. Its road density (71 km per 100 sq. km) lags behind the national average (139 km). To overcome this, the report advocates for multi-modal logistics corridors, new railway lines, and upgrading Raipur airport into an international hub. Health, Happiness, and Sustainability The document dedicates a major section to human development under the banner 'Swasth aur Sukhi Chhattisgarh' (Healthy and Happy Chhattisgarh). Key health targets include reducing infant mortality from 38 to below 5, and increasing life expectancy from 65 to 84 years by 2047. The roadmap also emphasizes revitalizing tribal economies through sustainable use of the state's 44% forest cover. Proposed measures include promoting herbal farming, bamboo and honey clusters, and experiential tribal tourism—particularly around non-timber forest products (NTFPs). The Road Ahead To achieve the projected GSDP of Rs 76–78 lakh crore by 2047 (from the current ₹5.67 lakh crore), Chhattisgarh must double its economy four times in 23 years, maintaining an average annual growth of 12–13%.
India Gazette
09-06-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Chintan Shivir 2.0 concludes at IIM Raipur, ministers discuss fiscal, educational reforms
Raipur (Chhattisgarh) [India], June 9 (ANI): After Chintan Shivir 2.0 concluded at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Raipur on Monday, Chhattisgarh Minister OP Choudhary said that the entire cabinet participated in Chintan 2.0 under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and various topics including fiscal reforms, education, reforms related to the health sector were discussed in detail. 'Chintan 2.0 was organised. For this, we have learnt a lot under the leadership of our CM Vishnu Deo Sai. We are seeing that the world is transforming at such a fast pace. The whole cabinet participated in this Chintan 2.0 as students. Be it reforms of the fiscal sector, the education sector, the health sector or any other sector, or achieving the Viksit Bharat aim through good governance, these topics were discussed in detail,' OP Choudhary told ANI. Chhattisgarh Minister Kedar Kashyap said that the second edition of Chintan Shivir is very important in improving your government and administration. Kedar Kashyap said, 'This is the second edition and second year of Chintan Shivir. This Shivir is very important in improving your government and administration. It helps the government to reach the ground level. We are confident the training would not only help in personal grooming but also help in administrative work.' In the 2-day residential program, the cabinet ministers, including the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, Vishnu Deo Sai engaged on this dynamic platform for introspection, strategic dialogue, and policy innovation, aimed at accelerating the state's inclusive and sustainable development, according to the release. The people who attended the event, including the Chhattisgarh CM, engaged in an intensive and collaborative dialogue on critical governance challenges, reform priorities, and strategic development roadmaps. In his address, CM Sai stated 'Chintan Shivir 2.0, conducted through the collaboration of IIM Raipur and the Chhattisgarh Department of Good Governance, was a successful initiative where cabinet members were introduced to relevant topics that will help in running the government more efficiently. The topics chosen and the speakers were remarkable, and their teachings will greatly support us in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.' The program included sessions on 'Seva, Sankalp, aur Seekh' (Service, Resolve, and Learning), and concluded with the inauguration of the 'Sushasan Vatika' (Good Governance Garden) via a symbolic tree-planting ceremony. (ANI)
India Gazette
25-05-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
"If development is taking place very fast, why are 80 crore people happy with 5 kg of grain?" Congress' Bhupesh Baghel
Raipur (Chhattisgarh) [India], May 25 (ANI): Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister and Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel on Sunday lashed out at state Finance Minister OP Choudhary on his statement on India's improvement as an economy under the tenure of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Addressing mediapersons here, Baghel said, 'When we went to the first meeting of Niti Aayog, the Prime Minister had said that we will create a 5 trillion economy. You are seeing whether it has been achieved or not... I want to ask OP Choudhary that if development has taken place very fast, then why are 80 crore people happy with 5 kg of grain, why are they dependent on it?' This comes after OP Choudhary had mocked the Congress government and stated that India's economy remained at the same spot for 10 years, further stating that the country would become the third-largest economy within Prime Minister Narendra Modi's tenure. 'Under the Congress government from 2004 to 2014, India's economy was in the 10th spot and remained there for 10 years... As he committed, we will become the third-largest economy within PM Narendra Modi's third tenure...' NITI Aayog Chief Executive Officer (CEO) BRV Subhramanyam stated that India had overtaken Japan to become the world's fourth-largest economy, citing data by the International Monetary Fund. Addressing a press conference of the 10th NITI Aayog Governing Council Meeting on 'Viksit Rajya for Viksit Bharat 2047', Subrahmanyam stated that India's economy has reached the USD 4 trillion mark. 'We are the fourth largest economy as I speak. We are a USD 4 trillion economy as I speak, and this is not my data. This is IMF data. India today is larger than Japan. It's only the United States, China, and Germany which are larger, and if we stick to, you know, what is being planned, what is being thought through, it's a matter of another 2, 2.5 to 3 years; we would become the third largest economy,' said Subrahmanyam. 'It's only the United States, China, and Germany which are larger, and if we stick to what is being planned, what is being thought through, it's a matter of another 2, 2.5 to 3 years; we would become the third largest economy,' Subrahmanyam added. According to the IMF's April edition of the World Economic Outlook report, the nominal GDP for fiscal 2026 is expected to reach around USD 4,187.017 billion. This is marginally more than the likely GDP of Japan, which is estimated at USD 4,186.431 billion. India was the fifth largest economy in the world till global financial body projects that India will remain the fastest-growing major economy over the next two years. (ANI)
