States Weekly: December 20, 2023

Big News: Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC) announces the generic tariff and prices for renewable energy projects in the state; Karnataka reduces the tax on electric vehicles to 10 percent from the initial proposed 20 percent; Karnataka passes the Karnataka Goods & Services Tax (Amendment) Bill to levy 28 percent GST on online gaming; Ministry of Commerce and Industry releases the Logistics Ease Across Different States Index; and more.

Health 

Andhra Pradesh approves a proposal to launch the second phase of “Jagananna Arogya Suraksha” scheme from January 1. Under the scheme, the quota for free medical treatment has been enhanced to $3 million, and is applicable to everyone with an annual income of up to $6,014.25. Source: Telangana Today; In detail: Jagananna Arogya Suraksha Guidelines Order

Karnataka approves the Karnataka Compulsory Service by Candidates Completed Medical Courses (Amendment) Bill exempting MBBS graduates from mandatory rural service upon their selection for central or state government positions. Source: Deccan Herald; In detail: Karnataka Compulsory Service of Candidates Completing Medical Courses (Amendment) Bill

Climate Change & Energy

Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC) announces the generic tariff and prices for renewable energy projects, including small hydro, biomass, and non-fossil fuel-based co-generation power projects. The control period of the tariff will span from financial year (FY) 2023-24 to 2025-26 for all renewable power projects. Source: Mercom; In detail: Tariff order

Finance

Karnataka introduces the Karnataka Motor Vehicles Taxation (Second Amendment) Act, 2023 reducing the tax on electric vehicles priced above $24,057, from 20 percent to 10 precent. Source: Deccan Herald; In detail: Karnataka Motor Vehicles Taxation (Second Amendment) Act, 2023

Industrial Policy & Business Regulations  

Bihar releases the Bihar Logistics Policy 2023 aiming at providing international-standard infrastructure facilities for industrial and social growth in the state. Source: Business Standard; In detail: Bihar Logistics Policy 2023

Uttar Pradesh forms the Uttar Pradesh Inland Water Way Authority to begin waterway service in rivers like Rapti, Saryu, Ganga, and Yamuna. The authority will promote cruise services and generate employment on a large scale, stated an official release. Source: The News Mill; In detail: Press release

Maharashtra waives the increased service charges for 56 Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) colonies in Mumbai, amounting to $46 million. Source: Hindustan Times

Goa notifies the Homestay and Bed and Breakfast Policy aimed to standardize services to the tourists through homestays and Bed & Breakfast (B&Bs) and also to supplement the availability of accommodation options of the state. Source: Prudent Media; In detail: Homestay and Bed & Breakfast Policy

Karnataka proposes a plan to establish an industrial estate on 2,000 acres of land near Belagavi. Source: The Hindu; In detail: Press release (Kannada)

Land Acquisition & Labor Regulations

Nothing critical to report this week.

Infrastructure & Governance

Karnataka announces the “Yuva Nidhi” scheme which aims to provide monthly allowances to unemployed youth with degree and diplomas. Under the scheme, unemployed individuals from 18-25 years of age with a college degree will get an allowance of $36 per month, whereas individuals with diplomas will receive $15 per month. The registration for the scheme will begin from January 1 onwards. Source: Hindustan Times; In detail: Yuvanidhi Scheme Order

Karnataka passes the Karnataka Goods & Services Tax (Amendment) Bill to levy 28 percent GST on online gaming. Source: Deccan Herald; In detail: Karnataka Goods and Services Tax (Second Amendment) Bill

Center – State Relations 

Ministry of Commerce and Industry releases the Logistics Ease Across Different States Index. Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Chandigarh and Gujarat along with eight other states were categorised as achievers in the logistics index chart 2023, according to the report. Source: Deccan Herald; In detail: Press Release; Logistics Ease Across Different States (LEADS) 2023

Any Other

Nothing critical to report this week.