States Weekly: August 14, 2024

Big News: Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) introduces the KERC (Implementation of peer-to-peer Solar Energy Transaction) Regulations, 2024; Maharashtra approves the Maharashtra Logistics Policy 2024; Bihar approves the Bihar Purchase Preference Policy 2024 to boost local industrial units; Jharkhand announces the Jharkhand Agricultural Loan Waiver Scheme; and more.

Health 

Himachal Pradesh announces free treatment and provision of 42 medicines for cancer patients in the state. The state government has included the medicines in the state’s essential medicines list and will be providing them in government hospitals throughout the state. Source: Indian Express; In detail: Press release

Climate Change & Energy

Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission (GERC) introduces the Multi-Year Tariff (MYT) Regulations, 2024 to better integrate renewable energy sources into the state’s energy system. The regulations include a structured approach to buying power, which includes long-term, medium-term, and short-term plans, including a competitive bidding framework for energy procurement. Source: Solar Quarter; In detail: Multi-Year Tariff (MYT) Regulations, 2024

Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) introduces the KERC (Implementation of peer-to-peer Solar Energy Transaction) Regulations, 2024 to promote renewable energy and innovative technologies in the state. The regulations apply to all distribution licensees and eligible consumers in Karnataka and aim to facilitate the transaction of rooftop solar energy through block chain-based platforms, enabling consumers to sell surplus power directly to other consumers. Source: Mercom; In detail: KERC (Implementation of peer-to-peer Solar Energy Transaction) Regulations, 2024

Himachal Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (HPERC) introduces the “Terms and Conditions for Green Energy Open Access and Banking Regulations, 2024”. The regulations are designed to manage the connection and access to electricity generated from green or renewable sources, including non-fossil waste-to-energy plants, within the state’s transmission and distribution systems. Source: Solar Quarter; In detail: HPERC (Terms and Conditions for Green Energy Open Access and Banking) Regulations, 2024

Finance

Nothing critical to report this week.

Industrial Policy & Business Regulations  

Maharashtra approves the Maharashtra Logistics Policy 2024. The policy is designed to guide the development of logistics infrastructure in the state over the next ten years and create approximately 500,000 direct and indirect jobs. Source: Hindustan Times

In detail: Cabinet decisions (in Marathi)

Assam approves the Assam Land & Space Lease Management Policy, 2024 designed to promote the state as a preferred destination for Information Technology Parks and Electronics Manufacturing Clusters (EMCs). Source: India Today

Land Acquisition & Labor Regulations  

Jammu and Kashmir enforces the adoption of an amended version of the Jammu and Kashmir Industrial Land Allotment Policy, 2021-30, following the approval from the Administrative Council. According to the amendment, the state can provide preferential land allotment to mega projects in the industrial sector with minimum capital investments of ~$476 million excluding land and working capital costs. Source: Greater Kashmir; In detail: Jammu and Kashmir Government Order

Haryana approves the Haryana Contractual Employees (Security of Tenure) Ordinance, 2024. The ordinance aims to enhance the facilities for contractual employees and guarantees job security until the age of superannuation. Source: Times of India; In detail: Press release

Infrastructure & Governance

Bihar approves the Bihar Purchase Preference Policy 2024 to boost local industrial units and give priority to procurement from micro, small, and startup enterprises in the state. The decision was taken to maximise employment opportunities for the local people through strengthening existing industrial units in the state. Source: Rediff; In detail: Bihar Cabinet decisions

Tamil Nadu announces the Tamil Pudhalvan Scheme under which approximately 328,000 college-going boys will receive $11.9 every month from the government. The government has earmarked $42.8 million for the scheme. Source: The Hindu; In detail: Press release (In Tamil)

Assam launches the Nijut Moina Scheme to provide monthly financial assistance for girl students from the higher secondary to the post-graduate levels in government-run and aided institutions. The scheme aims to promote financial independence among women, and reduce child marriages in the state. Source: Indian Express; In detail: Nijut Moina Scheme guidelines

Jharkhand announces the Jharkhand Agricultural Loan Waiver Scheme. Under the scheme, loans worth $226.33 million of 473,000 farmers from the financial year 2020-21 to 2023-24 will be waived. Source: India Today

Water & Sanitation

Himachal Pradesh removes the provision of free water access for rural domestic consumers. Domestic consumers with annual income above $595.2 will have to pay $1.19 per month for water. Source: Business Standard

Center – State Relations 

Nothing critical to report this week.

Any Other

Nothing critical to report this week.