Big News: Karnataka releases the Karnataka State Energy Efficiency Action Plan; Bihar approves the Bihar Tourism Policy, 2023; Maharashtra formulates the Maharashtra Drone Mission (MDM) to promote drone usage in the state; Tamil Nadu announces a $120 million relief package for the flood-affected districts in the state; and more.
Health
Odisha launches the third phase of the state's flagship “Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana” (BSKY) health scheme. With the third phase of the expansion, the scheme is estimated to cover over 11 million families, covering 90 percent of the state's population. Source: Deccan Herald; In detail: Biju Swasthya Kalyan YojanaGuidelines
Climate Change & Energy
Delhi extends its current electric vehicle (EV) policy for an additional three months, beyond its original expiry date of December 31 to promote sustainable development, and curb air pollution in the state. Source: Millennium post
Karnataka releases the Karnataka State Energy Efficiency Action Plan, outlining a strategic shift from conventional to solar-led electrification of buildings. The plan emphasizes the importance of BEE (Bureau of Energy Efficiency) star ratings for buildings, including green buildings. Source: Saur energy; In detail: State Energy Efficiency Action Plan
Rajasthan subsidizes the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders to $5.4 per cylinder from January 1. Subsidized LPG was one of BJP’s poll promises. Source: Indian Express; In detail: Press release
Finance
West Bengal announces a 100 percent waiver of penalty on tax dues for all types of registered vehicles in the state in a two-month window till February 29 with the objective of encouraging owners of both private and commercial vehicles to pay the due taxes. Source: Mint
Industrial Policy & Business Regulations
Bihar approves the Bihar Tourism Policy, 2023 aimed at promote comprehensive development and attract investments in the tourism sector in the state. Source: Travel Trade Journal; In detail: Bihar Tourism Policy 2023
Land Acquisition & Labor Regulations
Uttarakhand imposes an interim ban on the purchase of land by outsiders from the state for agricultural and horticulture purposes. Source: New Indian Express
Infrastructure & Governance
Maharashtra formulates the Maharashtra Drone Mission (MDM) to promote the use of drone technology for functions including surveillance, disaster rescue and relief, healthcare delivery in remote areas, monitoring of infrastructure projects, and traffic management. A five-year implementation plan has been prepared based on a report by a team of experts from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Bombay. Source: Hindustan times; In detail: Drone Mission Proposal, Notification regarding implementation of Drone Mission (in Marathi)
Tamil Nadu announces a $120 million relief package for the flood-affected districts in the state. The relief includes houses and loans to MSMEs and self-help groups. The government will also repair and completely rebuild the houses damaged due to torrential rain and floods in Tirunelveli and Tuticorin districts. Source: Times of India; In detail: Press release (in Tamil)
Jammu & Kashmir amends the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act, 1989 to incorporate reservation for people from Other Backward Classes (OBC) in the panchayats (village councils). Source: Times of India; In detail: Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act, 1989
Center – State Relations
Nothing critical to report this week.
Any Other
Nothing critical to report this week.
