States Weekly: June 11, 2024

Big News: Prime Minister Narendra Modi takes oath as the prime minister for the third term along with 71 cabinet ministers; Arunachal Pradesh State Electricity Regulatory Commission (APSERC) proposes the Procedure, Terms and Conditions for grant of Distribution Licence and other related matters Regulations, 2024; Himachal Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission issues the Comprehensive Grid Management Regulations (2024); and more.

Health 

Nothing critical to report this week.

Climate Change & Energy

Rajasthan State Industrial Development & Investment Corporation(RIICO) issues a circular stating that all plot lessees with an area of 500 square metres and above will have to construct rainwater harvesting structures (RWHS) in their premises for water conservation and increasing the level of groundwater. Source: Business Standard; In detail: Circular

Arunachal Pradesh State Electricity Regulatory Commission (APSERC) proposes the Procedure, Terms and Conditions for grant of Distribution Licence and other related matters Regulations, 2024 to provide a new framework for granting distribution licenses for electricity within the state. The framework aims to ensure a systematic and transparent process, promoting efficiency and reliability in the electricity distribution sector. Source: Solar Quarter; In detail: APSERC (Procedure, Terms and Conditions for grant of Distribution Licence and other related matters) Regulations, 2024

Himachal Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission issues the Comprehensive Grid Management Regulations (2024). The regulations are focused on maintaining grid discipline and ensuring grid security. This is aimed to be achieved through a commercial mechanism that settles deviations made by grid users between their actual power drawal or injection and their scheduled amounts. The regulation specifies that all buyers and sellers, including state distribution licensees, state sector generating stations, and open-access customers connected to the state grid, must adhere to this framework. Source: Solar Quarter; In detail: Himachal Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (Deviation Settlement Mechanism and Related Matters) Regulations, 2024

Meghalaya State Electricity Regulatory Commission (MSERC) introduces the Terms and Conditions of Green Energy Open Access Regulations, 2023 focused on the promotion and facilitation of green energy open access within the state. These regulations aim to set clear guidelines for the determination of charges and access conditions for consumers opting for green energy. This move is part of a broader effort to increase the adoption of renewable energy sources, thereby reducing reliance on fossil fuels and supporting environmental sustainability. Source: Solar Quarter; In detail: MSERC (Terms and Conditions of Green Energy Open Access) Regulations, 2023

Finance

Nothing critical to report this week.

Industrial Policy & Business Regulations  

Nothing critical to report this week.

Land Acquisition & Labor Regulations  

Nothing critical to report this week.

Infrastructure & Governance

Haryana removes the age cap on availing benefits under the “Mukhyamantri Kisan Evam Khetihar Mazdoor Jeevan Suraksha Yojana” by farmers, agriculture labourers, and market yard labourers. As per the government issued press release, children below the age of 10 and persons older than 65 years will also be eligible for benefits under the scheme. Under this scheme, financial assistance ranging from $449 to $5,986 is provided to farmers, agriculture labourers, and market yard labourers in case of death or disability while operating agricultural machinery. Source: Hindustan Times; In detail: Press release

Water & Sanitation

Nothing critical to report this week.

Center – State Relations 

Nothing critical to report this week.

Any Other

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the oath of office for a third successive term on June 9, along with 71 other members of his Council of Ministers. Of the 81 slots allowed in the Union Council of Ministers, 72 members were sworn in, with 11 portfolios given to the BJP’s allies in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Source: The Hindu; In detail: Press release