States Weekly: July 16, 2025

Big News: Punjab approves ‘Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna’, Bihar approves the Bihar Renewable Energy Policy 2025, Uttarakhand approves the Uttarakhand Geo-Thermal Energy Policy 2025, Andhra Pradesh introduces the Andhra Pradesh Space Policy 2025-30, Telangana amends the Panchayat Raj Act, 2018, Chhattisgarh establishes the State Capital Region authority (SCRA); and more

Health 

Delhi mandates purchase of all medical supplies through the Central Procurement Agency (CPA).The new rule introduced by the government aims to shift procurement responsibilities for all its state-run hospitals to a centralised agency to enhance the overall functioning of healthcare system. The move is designed to bring efficiency, reduce waste, and ensure that essential supplies are available where and when they are needed, without unnecessary delays or cost variations

Source: India med

Punjab approves ‘Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna’. The state government approved the scheme to provide cashless medical treatment of up to INR 10 Lakhs (USD 11,650) to all families in the state at government as well as empanelled private hospitals.

Source: Tribune

Climate Change and Energy

Andhra Pradesh adopts Five-point Climate Strategy. The comprehensive strategy adopted by the state government aims to enhance environmental resilience, reduce carbon emissions, and achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The five-point climate strategy includes Aggressive Implementation of Energy Efficiency, Accelerated Renewable Energy Deployment, Massive Afforestation Drive, Adoption of Global Best Practices in Energy Efficiency and Statewide Awareness and Student Engagement Campaign

Source: The Hans

Bihar approves the Bihar Renewable Energy Policy 2025. The new policy approved by the state government will be applicable for the period of five years and sets a target of deploying 23.968 GW of Renewable Energy and 6.1 GWh of Energy Storage by FY 2029-30. The new policy offers a wide range of incentives for projects commissioned during this period such as full exemption from Electricity duty, State GST, Transmission and Wheeling charges and full reimbursement of Stamp duty, and Land conversion charges

Source: Times of India

In detail: Bihar Policy for promotion of Bihar new and renewable energy sources 2025

Karnataka approves New Solar Tariff. The order issued by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) for FY 2025-26 introduces a new approach by renaming “Solar Rooftop PV” as “Distributed Solar PV Plants,” expanding the permitted installation areas to include rooftops, elevated ground structures, and building facades. It also allows Virtual Net Metering (VNM) and Group Net Metering (GNM), enabling energy credit sharing between multiple consumers or service connections under certain conditions.

Source: Solar Quarter

In detail: KERC order

Rajasthan approves tariff for solar projects under ‘Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM)’. The levelized tariffs determined for 78 solar projects through a competitive bidding process conducted by the Jaipur Vidyut Vitran Nigam (JVVNL) was approved by the Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission (RERC). These projects with a total capacity of 228.85 MW will be implemented under Component C (feeder-level solarization) of PM-KUSUM.

Source: Mercom

In detail: Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM)

Uttar Pradesh approves Tariff for Wind-Solar hybrid power project. The approval to the levelized tariff and Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for a 300 MW grid‑connected wind-solar hybrid power project was accorded by the Uttar Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (UPERC). The hybrid project will supply power to Noida Power Company Limited (NPCL).

Source: Solar Quarter

In detail: UPERC order

Chhattisgarh revises Electricity Tariff. The tariff order for FY 2025–26 approved by the Chhattisgarh Electricity Regulatory Commission (CSERC) increases the electricity tariffs for domestic and non-domestic consumers. To promote development in Left-Wing Extremism( LWE) affected areas, the state government will offer a 10 per cent rebate on electricity bills for mobile towers set up in these regions

Source: Times of India

In detail: Tariff order

Jharkhand amends Renewable Energy TariffRegulations. The order issued by the Jharkhand State Electricity Regulatory Commission (JSERC) titled “JSERC (Determination of Tariff for Procurement of Power from Wind, Biogas, Municipal Solid Waste and Refuse Derived Fuel-based Power Projects) (Second Amendment) Regulations, 2025 extends the principal regulations of 2016 until March 31, 2030.

Source: Solar Quarter

In detail: JSERC (Determination of Tariff for Procurement of Power from Wind, Biogas, Municipal Solid Waste and Refuse Derived fuel-based Power Projects) (Second Amendment) Regulations, 2025; JSERC (Determination of Tariff for Procurement of Power from Wind, Biogas, Municipal Solid waste and Refuse Derived Fuel based Power Projects) Regulations, 2016

Uttarakhand approves the Uttarakhand Geo-Thermal Energy Policy 2025.  The new policy aims to promote the use of geothermal sites for power generation, heating and cooling, water purification, and community development, and will be implemented by the energy department of the state, in collaboration with the Uttarakhand Renewable Energy Development Agency (UREDA) and Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (UJVNL).

Source: Hindustan Times

Finance

Nothing critical to report this week

Industrial Policy and Business Regulations  

Andhra Pradesh introduces the Andhra Pradesh Space Policy 2025-30. The new policy aims to develop an ecosystem for the development, manufacturing, and commercialisation of space technologies and services. The government will form an SPV, ‘AP Space City Corporation’, which will drive all initiatives related to the development of the Space Cities along the Hyderabad-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor in Sri Sathya Sai district and in Tirupati (Routhasuramala).

Source: The News Minute

In detail: Andhra Pradesh Space Policy (4.0) 2025-30

Andhra Pradesh publishes the final master plan for the Hyderabad Bengaluru Industrial Corridor (HBIC). The Andhra Pradesh Industrial Corridor Authority approved the final master plan for the land use pattern of ‘Orvakal Node’ under Hyderabad Bengaluru Industrial Corridor whereby52 per cent of the land will be utilised for industrial purposes.

Source: Deccan Herald

In detail: Final Master Plan of Orvakal Node under Hyderabad Bengaluru Industrial Corridor

Jharkhand notifies the ‘Jharkhand Utpaad (Licensing and Operation of Retail Liquor Shops) Rules, 2025’. The new rules governing the retail sale of liquor across the state aims to bring greater transparency in revenue collection, reduce the administrative burden on the state, and ensure regulated retail operations through private participation.

Source: Statesman

In detail: Jharkhand Utpaad (Licensing and Operation of Retail Liquor Shops) Rules, 2025

Meghalaya approves the Meghalaya Film Tourism Policy 2025. The Film Tourism Policy aims to position Meghalaya as a key filmmaking destination in the Northeast. A Film Facilitation Cell has been formed to coordinate promotional activities across departments.

Source: North East Today

In detail: Meghalaya Film Tourism Policy 2025

Land Acquisition and Labor Regulations  

Andhra Pradesh unveils Self-Certification Scheme 2025. The landmark scheme approved by the state government aims to give a boost to the real estate sector. The new scheme operates on a trust basis and in its phase, it is applicable to specific categories of construction projects, specifically to non-high-rise residential building plan permissions for plot areas up to 4000 square meters. The scheme also covers the establishment of white category industries, as defined by the AP pollution control board, provided they have a site extent of 500 square meters or below

Source: Deccan Chronicle

In detail: Andhra Pradesh Revised Guidelines for Self Certified Building Permissions under Self Certification Scheme – 2025

Goa enforces the Goa Escheats, Forfeiture and Bona Vacantia Act, 2024. The new law introduces a structured approach to managing properties left abandoned, preventing misuse, and ensuring they are maintained or repurposed for public interest. The law empowers the competent authorities in the state to take over land and properties left behind without legal heirs.

Source: Daiji world

In detail: Goa Escheats, Forfeiture and Bona Vacantia Rules, 2025

Infrastructure and Governance

Bihar approves several key policy proposals. In a series of policy decisions aimed towards inclusivity and rural support, the state government has approved the Chief Minister Divyangjan Empowerment Scheme ‘Sambal’, for providing financial assistance to male Divyangjan candidates from backward classes, economically weaker sections, and general categories clearing civil services prelims. To counter the impact of irregular monsoon or drought, the government released Diesel Subsidy for FY 2025-26. The cabinet also approved the Corporate Social Responsibility Policy 2025 and formation of Bihar State Corporate Social Responsibility Society to monitor and effectively implement CSR funds.

Source: Patna press

In detail: Cabinet decisions; Gazette notification (Chief Minister Divyangjan Empowerment Scheme ‘Sambal’)

Bihar approves Domicile Policy. In 2016 the state government had approved to reserve 35 per cent posts for women in the state government jobs. As per the new domicile policy, this 35 per cent reservation will be applicable to only women who are permanent residents of the state.

Source: HR Katha

In detail: Cabinet decisions

Telangana amends the Panchayat Raj Act, 2018. The amendment approved by the state cabinet will provide 42 per cent reservation for Backward Classes (BCs) in local body elections. This decision follows the Supreme Court's guidelines and the empirical data. In March 2025 the state assembly approved a bill to provide 42 per cent reservation to BCs in education, employment, and local bodies.

Source: Deccan Herald

In detail: Telangana Backward Classes (Reservation of Seats in Rural and Urban Local Bodies) Act, 2025

Uttar Pradesh announces the Annual Delta Ranking for 2024–25. The state government’s initiative under the Aspirational Development Block (ADB) Scheme aims to uplift the most backward blocks through data-based evaluation, financial incentives, and competitive development strategies.

Source: Indian master minds

In detail: Annual Delta Ranking for 2024–25

Assam approves the Assam Goods and Services Tax (Reimbursement forIndigenous Bell Metal Industries) Scheme, 2025. The scheme approved by the state government will fully reimburse the State Goods and Services Tax (SGST) paid by indigenous bell metal manufacturers in the state with an aim to revive and strengthen the state's renowned bell metal industry.

Source: Assam Tribune

Chhattisgarh establishes the State Capital Region authority (SCRA). This initiative by the state government is modelled on the lines of Delhi’s NCR. The proposed authority aims to manage the rapid urban growth across Raipur, Durg-Bhilai, and Nava Raipur Atal Nagar by ensuring systematic, sustainable, and planned development.

Source: Times of India

In detail: State Capital Region authority (SCRA)

Chhattisgarh approves the Student Start-up and Innovation Policy. The policy approved by the state cabinet aims to build a student-centric innovation ecosystem across the state and seeks to reach 50,000 students across 100 technical institutions, support the development of 500 prototypes, facilitate the filing of 500 intellectual property rights (IPRs), and incubate 150-start-ups.

Source: Hindustan Times

In detail: Student Start-up and Innovation Policy

Himachal Pradesh launches the ‘My Deed’ NGDRS (National Generic Document Registration System). The Pilot Project launched by the state government aims to simplify and modernize the land registration process. Under this new system, citizens will now need to visit the tehsil office only once to complete the land registry process. Land registration can be applied online, anytime and from anywhere, saving time and effort.

Source: The Statesman

In detail: Press release

Water and Sanitation

Nothing critical to report this week

Center – State Relations 

Maharashtra constitutes a committee to streamline the Public Transport. The committee has been formed by the Centre and Maharashtra government to integrate Mumbai’s suburban railway and metro networks across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). The committee will comprise of representatives from key organisations, including Central Railway, Western Railway, Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC), Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO), Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST), MahaRail, and the Urban Development Department.

Source: Swarajyamag

Any Other

The Central Government launches first-ever Electric Truck (e-truck) incentive. The scheme launched under the PM E-DRIVE initiative by the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) offers incentives for N2 and N3 category electric trucks. The financial incentive being offered depends on the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW). 

Source: DD News

In detail: Press release

Andhra Pradesh approves launch of the Smart Mosquito Surveillance System (SMoSS). The innovative tech-based mosquito control programme launched by the state government uses AI-powered mosquito sensors, drones, and other smart devices to detect mosquito species, gender, population density, and weather conditions like temperature and humidity. The pilot project will kick off at 66 locations across six major municipal corporations - Visakhapatnam (16 spots), Vijayawada (28), Kakinada (4), Rajamahendravaram (5), Nellore (7), and Kurnool (6).

Source: Deccan Herald

Assam puts on hold its Green Hydrogen Policy. The state government had unveiled its green hydrogen policy in February 2025 which has now been put it on hold.

Source: Economic Times

Odisha scraps No Detention Policy. The changes announced by the state government are part of the Odisha Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (Amendment) Rules, 2025, which revises the original 2010 guidelines and re-introduces annual examinations for Class V and VIII students in both government and private schools. Students who fail to meet promotion criteria, even after a re-examination, will be held back

Source: Odisha TV

In detail: No Detention Policy