States Weekly: June 18, 2025

Big News: Punjab launches ‘Udyog Kranti’ initiative, West Bengal approves Revocation of the West Bengal Incentive Schemes and Obligations in the Nature of Grants & Incentives Act, 2025, Ministry of Power approves subsidy for 30 GWh of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), Government of India reforms Special Economic Zones (SEZs) Rules, 2006; and more

Health 

Jharkhand amends Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003. A few notable changes brought about by the amendment are bars on the following: use of any tobacco products in public place, operation of hookah bars, sale of cigarettes and any other tobacco products to any persons below the age of 21 years and in an area within 100 meter of any educational institution, hospital, health institution, public office and court.

Source: ETV bharat

In detail: Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) (Jharkhand Amendment) Bill, 2021

Climate Change and Energy

Rajasthan releases draft Procedure for Granting Connectivity to Intra-State Transmission System. The draft regulations released by Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission (RERC) apply to the applications made for Grant of Connectivity to the Intra State transmission system of the State Transmission Utility / Transmission licensee for 33 kV voltage level and above.

Source: Mercom

In detail: Draft procedure for Connectivity to the Intra State transmission system

Finance

Nothing critical to report this week

Industrial Policy and Business Regulations  

Andhra Pradesh constitutes a Task Force on Economic Development for Swarna Andhra Pradesh @ 2047. The primary purpose of the task force is to prepare a blueprint for the economic growth and development of Andhra Pradesh.

Source: The Hindu

In detail: Swarna Andhra Pradesh 2047

Karnataka notifies Peenya Industrial Area as Special Investment Region (SIR). The notification by the state government makes Peenya Bengaluru’s 18^th special investment region brings it under the ambit of the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB).

Source: Hindus Business Line

In detail: Peenya (SIR)

Punjab launches ‘Udyog Kranti’ initiative. The state government launched this initiative to revolutionise the industrial growth. Under this initiative the state government has set up ‘Fast-track Punjab Portal’ to streamline all the approvals and introduced a deemed approval system under which all applications need to be processed within 45 days. If no decision is taken within the stipulated time the portal will automatically generate approval the next day.

Source: New Indian Express

West Bengal approves Revocation of the West Bengal Incentive Schemes and Obligations in the Nature of Grants & Incentives Act, 2025. This legislation retrospectively scraps all the financial incentives offered and promised industries since 1993.

Source: Organiser

In detail: Revocation of West Bengal Incentive Schemes and Obligations in the Nature of Grants and Incentives Act, 2025

Land Acquisition and Labor Regulations  

Nothing critical to report this week

Infrastructure and Governance

Andhra Pradesh launches ‘Thalliki Vandanam’ scheme. The welfare initiative launched by the state government in fulfilment of ‘Super Six’ promise will provide financial assistance to mothers of school-going childrent studying in classes I to XII in recognized institutions.

Source: The Hindu

In detail: Thalliki Vandanam

Andhra Pradesh approves Comprehensive Water Supply Improvement Scheme for the Mangalagiri-Tadepalli Municipal Corporation (MTMC). This initiative, led by the Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MA&UD) Department, aims to ensure reliable and equitable access to safe drinking water for all areas within MTMC’s jurisdiction until 2056.

Source: Elets

In detail: Comprehensive Water Supply Improvement Scheme

Delhi approves ordinance to regulate school fees. The ordinance is based on the proposed Delhi School Education (Transparency in Fixation and Regulation of Fees) Bill, 2025.

Source: Mint

Maharashtra increases State Excise Duty. The excise duty hike on Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL) is expected to bring 10% of the estimated revenue receipts to the state exchequer for the financial year 2025-26.

Source: Hindustan Times

Goa approves State Heritage Policy 2025. The policy provides for financial and technical support to private heritage homes and encourages their adaptive reuse for tourism.

Source: Digital Goa

Water and Sanitation

Nothing critical to report this week

Center – State Relations 

Ministry of Power approves subsidy for 30 GWh of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). The Viability Gap Funding (VGF) scheme for development of BESS will be supported through Power System Development Fund (PSDF). The ministry has decided to provide the VGF to 15 states and National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC).

Source: Renewable Watch

In detail: VGF Scheme for BESS

Government of India reforms Special Economic Zones (SEZs) Rules, 2006. The amendments notified by the Department of Commerce address the specialized needs of semiconductor and electronics component manufacturing sectors

 Source: Mint

In detail: Press release

Any Other

Madhya Pradesh approves ‘Rah-veer’ scheme. With an aim to provide quick assistance to the injured in a road accident this scheme offers financial reward to any person who takes a road accident victim to a primary health center.

Source: News on Air

In detail: Rah-Veer Yojana

Telangana launches a scheme for financial security for power sector workers and family. Under this scheme the state government has signed an agreement with banks to extend accident insurance coverage to 50,000 employees of the electricity department.

Source: Times of India