In a significant political and administrative development, the state government of Chhattisgarh has issued official notifications granting ministerial status to 18 leaders serving as chairmen and vice chairmen across various state boards, commissions, and corporations. According to the fresh directive released by the General Administration Department (GAD), 3 prominent leaders have been assigned Cabinet Minister rank, while 15 other political appointees have been accorded the status of Minister of State. This move elevates the administrative protocol and official perks associated with these public offices across the state.
Three Commission Chiefs Accorded Cabinet Minister Rank
Under the revised government order, three key heads of major state commissions have been elevated to Cabinet Minister status. The prominent leaders receiving this top tier rank include
- Ramlal Chauhan: Chairman, Chhattisgarh State Scheduled Castes Commission.
- Roop Singh Mandavi: Chairman, Chhattisgarh State Scheduled Tribes Commission. Mandavi was previously granted Minister of State rank under an order dated October 29, 2025; however, that earlier directive has now been modified to upgrade his standing to Cabinet rank.
- Mamta Sahu: Chairperson, Chhattisgarh State Women Commission.
With this elevation, these three leaders will enjoy administrative protocol, state honors, and government privileges equivalent to those of a cabinet minister in the state government.
Salary, Allowances, and Facilities for Cabinet Status Appointees
Non-MLA chairmen who hold Cabinet Minister status will see a substantial allocation in monthly honorarium and official perks. In terms of direct monetary payout, these appointees receive between ₹60,000 and ₹85,000 per month in net honorarium and allowances. However, the comprehensive monthly expense borne by the state government is significantly higher. When factoring in official residence, dedicated motor vehicles, security personnel, fuel quotas, and office support staff, the overall financial package for each Cabinet status holder amounts to approximately ₹2.5 lakh to ₹3 lakh per month.
15 Leaders Granted Minister of State Protocol
Alongside the cabinet rank elevations, the state government has assigned Minister of State rank to 15 chairmen and vice chairmen heading various welfare boards, academies, and development authorities. Key appointees on this list include
- Gauri Shankar Shrivas: Kesh Shilpi Kalyan Board.
- Anand Nishad: Machhua Kalyan Board.
- Rajesh Kumar Rajput: Sanskrit Vidya Mandalam.
- Rajendra Nayak: Shakambhari Board.
- Sudhir Gautam: Education Commission.
- Dr. J.P. Sharma: Vice Chairman, Raipur Development Authority (RDA).
- Vedram Manhare: Vice Chairman, Scheduled Castes Commission.
- Mangal Das Thakur: Vice Chairman, Scheduled Tribes Commission.
In addition to these 8 prominent figures, seven other leaders presiding over state bodies have also been assigned Minister of State rank, bringing the total count to 15.
Financial Framework and Perks for Ministers of State
The government has also outlined the salary structure and official benefits for non-MLA leaders receiving Minister of State status. These individuals receive a monthly direct cash payout ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹75,000 in honorarium and allowances. The total government expenditure package for each Minister of State rank holder evaluates to ₹1.5 lakh to ₹2 lakh per month. This package covers an official vehicle with a driver, security guard deployment, fuel expenditure, residential quarters, and secretarial staff.
