States Weekly: June 7, 2023

Big News: Maharashtra cabinet passes the new IT-ITES Policy 2023 with the aim to employ 3.5 million people; Maharashtra cabinet approves a new Integrated and Sustainable Textile Policy 2023-28; Uttar Pradesh launches the Uttar Pradesh Food Processing Industry Policy 2023; Ministry of Power announces waiving off the inter-state transmission system (ISTS) charges on offshore wind, green hydrogen, and ammonia projects for 25 years.

Industrial Policy & Business Regulations

Madhya Pradesh amends the Madhya Pradesh Start-up Policy and Implementation Plan-2022 to provide additional assistance to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe entrepreneurs. As per the amendment, a total of 18% maximum assistance of $21,843 and a maximum of $87,374 in four phases will be given on the investment received by entrepreneurs of Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe category. Source: Newsriveting; In detail: Cabinet decisions (In Hindi)

Maharashtra cabinet passes the new IT-ITES Policy 2023 aimed at further developing the information technology (IT) and IT-enabled services sector. The objective of the new policy is to attract investments worth $11.5 billion, reach exports of $12.13 billion, and create 3.5 million jobs. The policy offers 50 to 100% subsidy in the stamp duty and waives off electricity charges from 10 to 15 years. Source: Hindustan Times; In detail: Cabinet decisions

Maharashtra cabinet approves the Integrated and Sustainable Textile Policy for 2023–2028 with a goal of creating 500,000 jobs in the industry during that time. The objective of this policy is to increase cotton’s processing potential to 80% from its current 30%, and lure in investments worth $3 billion. The policy also plans to establish a state textile corporation – The Maharashtra State Textile Development Corporation (MSTDC) – for supporting schemes for the sector and develop six textile parks throughout the state. Source: Apparel resources; In detail: Integrated and Sustainable Textile Policy 2023-2028

Uttar Pradesh launches the Uttar Pradesh Food Processing Industry Policy 2023. Under this scheme, the government will provide subsidy, interest subvention, and transport subsidy. The government will also provide 35 percent of the project cost, up to ₹5 crores for setting up new food processing facilities. Source: Latestly; In detail: Food Processing Industry Policy 2023

Land Acquisition & Labor Regulations  

Maharashtra allows women property buyers who get 1% rebate on stamp duty on their purchase to sell their residential units to male buyers. Until now, women availing the benefit were not allowed to sell a residential unit to a male buyer for the next 15 years. Source: Indian Express

Maharashtra announces the new Namo Shetkari Mahasanman Yojana under which more than 10 million farmers in the state will be paid $72.8 annually. Source: Economic Times; In detail: Cabinet decisions

Infrastructure & Governance  

Madhya Pradesh approves setting up a new medical college in the Damoh district. The project is expected to cost the state exchequer $32.3 million. Source: Newsriveting; In detail: Cabinet decisions (In Hindi)

Oil & Gas  

Nothing critical to report this week.  

Water & Sanitation  

Nothing critical to report this week.  

Power & Renewable Energy  

Rajasthan announces the provision of free electricity for up to 100 units, and a fixed rate for the next 100 units for residential consumers. The state is scheduled for elections in December 2023. Source: Business Today; In detail: Press release (in Hindi)

Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission increases the average retail electricity tariff for all low-tension (LT) and high-tension (HT) categories by ₹0.70 (~$0.008)/kWh for the financial year (FY) 2023-24. It was increased by 8.31% to ₹9.12 (~$0.011)/kWh compared to 8.42 (~$0.10)/kWh in FY23. The revised tariff will be applicable from April 1, 2023. Source: Mercom; In detail: Press Note

Kerala Electricity Regulatory Commission announces new electricity tariffs in the state. Starting June 01, electricity rates will go up by $0.0023 per unit. The increase of $0.0023 includes a $0.0012 fuel surcharge and $0.0010. Source: On Manorama; In detail: Tariff Order

Climate Change

Nothing critical to report this week.  

Health   

Meghalaya launches the Meghalaya Cancer Care or “Meg Can Care” project for screening and early detection of cancer. The project is an initiative of the Meghalaya government in collaboration with Apollo Telemedicine Foundation and the World Economic Forum. Source: Times of India; In detail: Launch Video

Center – State Relations  

Ministry of Power announces a complete waiver of the inter-state transmission system (ISTS) charges on offshore wind, green hydrogen, and ammonia projects for 25 years. The waiver is applicable to projects commissioned till December 31, 2032. Source: Economic Times; In detail: Press release

Any Other

Maharashtra approves the implementation of the “Aai (mother) Tourism Policy”. Under the policy, a women tourism policy cell will be created under the Directorate of Tourism for the implementation of the Aai policy. Source: Indian Express; In detail: Cabinet decisions (In Marathi)