States Weekly: May 6, 2026

Big News: Maharashtra and Goa each release their AI Policy 2026, Chhattisgarh approves the Urban Gas Distribution Policy 2026, Maharashtra releases the Draft Industrial Relations Rules 2026, Himachal Pradesh and Maharashtra release a Draft Code on Wages Rules 2026, Andhra Pradesh unveils its Deemed Distribution Company Policy; Punjab approves the Punjab Prisons and Correctional Services Bill, 2026 and more.

Health 

Meghalaya rolls out its Annual Health Survey. The initiative by the State Health Systems Resource Centre is aimed at data-driven healthcare planning in the state as the survey will bridge critical data gaps and support evidence-based decision-making in Meghalaya’s health system.

Source: Hub Network

Climate Change and Energy

Andhra Pradesh unveils a policy to grant Deemed Distribution Company (Discom) status to large data centres. This policy move by the state government is aimed at positioning Andhra Pradesh as a national hub for data centres. The new policy recognizes data centers as "mission-critical" infrastructure and with the discom status they can develop, own, operate and maintain their own internal power distribution systems within a notified project boundary.

Source: Times of India

In detail: Andhra Pradesh - Policy framework for grant of Deemed Distribution License

Haryana releases the Draft Haryana Building Code, 2017. The amendments propose 100% EV-ready parking and defined charger density across residential and commercial projects. Through these amendments the state government aims to embed electric vehicle readiness into its urban development framework. The draft, currently open for public consultation, effectively shifts EV infrastructure from an optional add-on to a baseline design requirement.

Source: Autocar Pro

In detail: Draft amendments in Haryana Building Code, 2017

Maharashtra approves the MAGESTIC scheme. The Maharashtra: Accelerating Green Energy and Storage Technologies Integration in Connected (MAGESTIC) Grid scheme approved by the state cabinet aims to raise the share of renewable energy in the state’s energy mix from current 17% to 50% by 2030. Key features of the scheme include strengthening transmission infrastructure and 16000 MWh of Battery Energy Storage System.

Source: Times of India

Rajasthan releases the draft Rajasthan Energy Conservation and Sustainable Building Code (RECSBC). The draft aims to enhance energy efficiency with sustainability in the building sector across the state, aligning state goals for Energy Efficiency with sustainable development and reduced carbon intensity. Key provisions include incentive of additional 5-10% Built-up Area Ratio to promote construction of highly energy efficient and sustainable buildings.

Source: KNN

In detail: Rajasthan Energy Conservation and Sustainable Building Code (RECSBC) Rules, 2026

Chhattisgarh approves the Urban Gas Distribution Policy 2026. The approval by the state cabinet aims to expand access to piped natural gas (PNG) in urban areas to ensure availability of clean and affordable natural gas, provide a cost-effective alternative to LPG, expand pipeline-based gas supply in urban areas and strengthen gas infrastructure across Chhattisgarh.

Source: Economic Times

In detail: Cabinet decisions

Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) issues draft regulations for the Electricity Department of Goa (EDG). Key provisions include mandating EDG to provide 24-hour uninterrupted power supply across the entire state, prepare a Customer Charter, conducting annual energy audit etc.

Source: Digital Goa

In detail: Draft JERC (Specific Conditions of Transmission and Distribution License Applicable to Electricity Department, Government of Goa) Regulations, 2026

Finance

Nothing critical to report this week

Industrial Policy and Business Regulations  

Karnataka unveils the Draft Karnataka State Excise Reforms 2026. The reforms were recommended by the committee constituted by the Government of Karnataka to examine the structure of alcohol excise taxation in the State. The report examined social cost of alcohol, and recommended a strength-based taxation system, where excise duty will be linked to alcohol content along with VAT, moving away from the current ad valorem system.

Source: Deccan Herald

In detail: Karnataka State Excise Reforms 2026 - Draft Report

Maharashtra approves its Maharashtra AI Policy 2026. The policy declared by the state cabinet is intended to boost the use of Artificial Intelligence in industries, governance and public services across the state. The policy proposes the launch of the Maharashtra AI Mission, alongside five AI innovation cities and six sectoral Centres of Excellence. It also aims to train youth and professionals to build a skilled AI workforce.

Source: INC 42

In detail: Press release

Maharashtra releases its Draft Industrial Relations Rules 2026 and Draft Code on Wages Rules 2026. The state government notified the draft rules in line with the Centre’s Industrial Relations Code, 2020 and Code on Wages, 2019, and is seeking objections and suggestions from stakeholders within a 45-day window.

Source: Mid-day

In detail: Maharashtra Industrial Relations Rules, 2026

Goa releases its Draft Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy. The draft policy outlines the State’s vision to position Goa as a leading hub for AI by focusing on key pillars such as skills and capacity building, startups and Industry Enablement, capital and Investment Promotion, Policy, Governance and Digital Infrastructure.

Source: Business world

In detail: Press release

Land Acquisition and Labor Regulations  

Karnataka operationalizes a specialised grievance redressal mechanism for Platform-based Gig Workers. The mechanism — a first of its kind in India — has been developed by the Karnataka Platform-based Gig Workers’ Board in collaboration with the Department of e-Governance.

Source: The Hindu

In detail: Government notification

Himachal Pradesh notifies The Himachal Pradesh Ceiling on Land Holdings (Amendment) Bill, 2024. The amendment allows the government to transfer land or structure for religious, spiritual or charitable purposes, subject to maximum limit of 30 acre.

Source: Hindustan Times

In detail: Himachal Pradesh Ceiling on Land Holdings (Amendment) Bill, 2024

Himachal Pradesh issues the Draft Code on Wages (Himachal Pradesh) Rules, 2026. The draft rules under the Code on Wages, 2019, replaces earlier laws like the Payment of Wages Act, 1936, and the Minimum Wages Act, 1948.

Source: Team lease

In detail: Draft Code on Wages (Himachal Pradesh) Rules, 2026

Odisha hikes daily wages for workers. New per day wages for unskilled workers $4.97 (INR 472), semi-skilled workers $5.49 (INR 522) and highly skilled workers $6.02 (INR 572) will be implemented retroactively from April 1^st, 2026.

Source: Odisha TV

Infrastructure and Governance

Himachal Pradesh notifies the Himachal Pradesh Private Coaching Centres (Registration and Regulation) Rules, 2026. The new rules mandates government registration for coaching centers prior to starting operations. Other key provisions include a mental health policy for coaching centers with more than 100 students, twice a year mental health training for staff, mandatory display of suicide prevention helpline numbers.

Source: Indian Express

Jammu and Kashmir approves the unification of The Jammu & Kashmir Cooperative Societies Act and The Jammu & Kashmir Self-Reliant Cooperatives Act into a single, consolidated legislation.

Source: Kashmir Observer

Punjab approves the Farm Stay Policy 2026. The policy approved by the state cabinet allows farmers to use a portion of their land for farm-based stays, offering visitors rural accommodation, local cuisine, and cultural experiences while maintaining core agricultural activity. It also focuses on eco-friendly practices, ease of regulation, and rural entrepreneurship, particularly for youth, to generate employment and reduce agrarian distress

Source: Babushahi

Water and Sanitation

Uttar Pradesh implements a 10-year Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Warranty for rural drinking water schemes. The state government decision to focus on long-term, service-oriented, and community-driven management of water supply initiatives signifies a significant shift from a construction-centric approach.

Source: The Hindu

In detail:

Odisha notifies the Policy on Reuse of Treated Used Water of Urban Odisha, 2026. The new policy aligns with the National Framework on Safe Reuse of Treated Water, 2023, and the objectives of AMRUT 2.0 and lays down an ambitious roadmap to convert urban wastewater into a productive economic resource.

Source: Business Standard

Center – State Relations 

Govt. of India signs Reform-linked Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) 2.0 with Uttarakhand, Karnataka and Tripura. The MoU seeks to ensure that every rural household has access to drinking water supply in adequate quantity and of prescribed quality on a regular basis, through strengthened community participation and bringing in structural reforms for sustainable operation and maintenance of rural water supply systems.

Source: Hindustan Times

In detail: Press release

Any Other

Punjab approves Punjab Prisons and Correctional Services Bill, 2026. The bill passed unanimously by the state legislature aims to modernize the prison administration system and seeks to provide for safe detention and maintain minimum standards of treatment of prisoners consistent with the principles of individual dignity

Source: Living India news

In detail: Punjab Prisons and Correctional Services Bill, 2026

Uttarakhand streamline processes under the Uttarakhand Minority Education Act. The state cabinet has empowered district-level education committees to handle affiliation for minority institutions up to Class 8 while retaining Board of School Education control for classes 9 to 12

Source: Devdiscourse