States Weekly: May 17, 2023

Big News: Karnataka state assembly elections see the emergence of the Indian National Congress as the single largest party with 135 seats; Madhya Pradesh releases the Scheme for Implementation of Pumped Hydro Storage (PHS) Projects for the development of renewable energy storage in the state; Kerala State Electricity Board introduces a green tariff for willing consumers; Punjab releases the State Action Plan on Energy Efficiency; and more.

Industrial Policy & Business Regulations  

Delhi announces the Draft Motor Vehicle Aggregator Scheme 2023 aimed at regulating cab aggregators and delivery service providers in the city. The scheme aims to achieve the twin objectives of prioritising the safety of passengers while promoting the use of electric vehicles to reduce pollution. Source: The Hindu; In detail: CMO Twitter

Haryana approves the Haryana Excise Policy, 2023-24. The policy limits the maximum number of retail liquor vendors in the State from 2,500 to 2,400 in 2023-24. Additionally, liquor vendors have been prohibited from operating in religious places notified around Shri Mata Mansa Devi Temple in Panchkula and in villages in which Gurukuls (religious schools) are functioning. Source: Millennium Post; In detail: Haryana Excise Policy 2023-24

Telangana introduces the Telangana Robotics Framework with an aim to create a sustainable robotics ecosystem and establishing the state as a leader in the field of robotics, The first-of-its-kind framework is a comprehensive roadmap that outlines the state's vision for the development of the robotics ecosystem in the state and contributing to the growth of the industry in the country. Source: The Hindu; In detail: Telangana IT and Industries Minister’s Twitter (Launch video)

Land Acquisition & Labor Regulations  

Nothing critical to report this week.  

Infrastructure & Governance  

Karnataka state elections have seen the emergence of the Indian National Congress as the single largest party. The Indian National Congress has won 135 seats and secured 42.88 percent of the vote share—largest by any political party in the past 34 years. BJP has won 66 seats, while JDS has won 9 seats. Source: Zee News; In detail: Election Commission of India Karnataka results

Himachal Pradesh launches the Him Data Portal, a common digital platform to integrate data of all organisations for the deliverance of welfare schemes and to serve the public better. The portal is part of the Him Parivar project, beginning in July, 2023 under which would give a special digital identity to the people of the state. Source: The Tribune; In detail: Press release

Oil & Gas  

Nothing critical to report this week.  

Water & Sanitation  

Nothing critical to report this week.  

Power & Renewable Energy  

Madhya Pradesh releases the Scheme for Implementation of Pumped Hydro Storage (PHS) Projects in Madhya Pradesh to promote the development of pumped hydro storage (PHS) projects in the state. The scheme expands upon the methods for allotment of project sites, tax waivers, and project completion timelines. Source: Mercom; In detail: Guidelines

Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) submits a proposal to the Kerala Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) for introducing a green energy tariff for consumers who wish to switch over to green energy. KSEB has proposed an additional $0.03/kWh premium green tariff over the existing retail tariff and all other charges as approved by the commission. The proposal comes after KERC’s directive to KSEB on the same. Source: Economic Times; In detail: KSEB Order

Punjab launches the Punjab State Energy Action Plan to promote energy efficiency in buildings, industries, municipalities, agriculture, transport and other sectors. The action plan is aimed at assisting government departments and agencies to adopt the most sustainable, long-term and inter-sectoral renewable and clean energy plans. Source: Business Standard; In detail: Press release

Climate Change

Nothing critical to report this week.  

Health   

Haryana announces a monthly pension of $33.45 for patients suffering from 55 rare diseases like Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. An estimated 8,000 patients are expected to benefit from the pension. Source: Business Standard; In detail: Press release

West Bengal sanctions $18.37 million to develop 400 new sub-health centres with the aim to improve healthcare access in the rural of the state. Source: Telegraph; In detail: Government Order

Assam launches the Ayushman Assam Scheme under the Mukhya Mantri Jan Arogya (MMJA) with the aim of providing universal healthcare coverage in the state. Source: Hindustan Times; In detail: CM Twitter (Ayushman Assam Launch video)

Odisha signs a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Health System Transformation Platform (HSTP) for strengthening and carrying forward the process of transformation in health services. The partnerships is aimed at developing areas such as health systems design, strategy, and research. Source: Odisha bytes; In detail: Department of Health & Family Welfare Twitter

Center – State Relations  

Nothing critical to report this week.  

Any Other

Madhya Pradesh approves a proposal worth $258.3 million to waive the interest on loans of 1.119 million farmers defaulting in the state. Beneficiaries will include farmers whose loan amounts and interest amount collectively, are under $2,434. Source: Business World; In detail: Cabinet Decisions