States Weekly Newsletter: July 15, 2026

Big News: Gujarat unveils a Data Center Policy 2026-29; Uttar Pradesh approves the Uttar Pradesh Startup Policy 2026; Uttar Pradesh approves the Uttar Pradesh Data Center Policy 2026; Assam introduces Draft Assam Shops and Establishments (Amendment) Bill, 2026; Karnataka introduces a Permanent Resident Certificate (PRC); Jharkhand issues Draft Jharkhand Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy 2026–2031; and more.

Health 

Uttar Pradesh launches the Chief Minister's Teachers' Cashless Medical Scheme. The scheme, designed for teachers as well as non-teaching staff, offers cashless medical coverage of up to $5,231 (INR 5 lakh).

Source: Economic Times

In detail: Press Release(in Hindi)

Bihar issues operational guidelines for patient referrals. The order directs district and sub-divisional hospitals to strictly regulate patient referrals to higher medical centers and ensure digital documentation of every referral.

Source: Hindustan Times

Climate Change and Energy

Karnataka approves a system of “deemed approvals” for some Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) for renewable energy projects. The order, issued by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC), aims to address long-pending delays in the renewal of PPAs. The system of “deemed approvals” for PPAs will be applicable when the PPAs are completed or are close to completing their initial 20-year term.

Source: Wind Insider

In detail: Order

Mizoram issues Draft (MZERC) Mizoram Electricity Grid Code Regulations, 2026. The regulations, issued by the Mizoram Electricity Regulatory Commission (MZERC) aim to strengthen the planning, operation, and management of the power system.

Source: Solar Quarter

In detail: Notice

Finance

Nothing critical to report this week.

Industrial Policy and Business Regulations  

Gujarat unveils a Data Center Policy 2026-29. The policy targets $62.77 billion (INR 527,268 crore) in investments and the creation of 7.5 gigawatts (GW) of Data Center capacity.

Source: Tele.net

In detail: Press Release

Uttar Pradesh approves the Uttar Pradesh Startup Policy 2026. The new policy introduces a range of financial incentives to strengthen startups, including sustenance grants, reimbursements, and seed funding.

Source: Indian Express

In detail: Cabinet Decision (in Hindi)

Uttar Pradesh approves the Uttar Pradesh Data Center Policy 2026. The policy aims to develop Uttar Pradesh as an AI-ready hub. Under the policy, a target has been set to develop an additional capacity of 2 GWs and attract investment of $23.8 billion (INR 199,964 crore).

Source: Indian Express

In detail: Draft Uttar Pradesh Data Center Policy 2026

Assam introduces Draft Assam Ease of Doing Business (Amendment) Bill 2026 and the Draft Assam Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (Facilitation of Establishment and Operation) Bill, 2026. The former will facilitate single-window clearance for establishing businesses while the latter will allow MSME units in non-polluting sectors to be set up without prior approval for the first three years.

Source: Times of India

In detail: Draft Assam Ease of Doing Business (Amendment) Bill 2026, Draft Assam Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (Facilitation of Establishment and Operation) Bill, 2026

Assam introduces Draft Assam Tourism (Development and Registration) (Amendment) Bill, 2026. The bill deals with the registration of homestays and hotels and repeals the colonial-era ‘Sarais’ (Shelter/Hotels) Act.

Source: KNN India

In detail: Draft Assam Tourism (Development and Registration) (Amendment) Bill, 2026

Assam introduces Draft Assam Shops and Establishments (Amendment) Bill, 2026. The bill aims to reduce the compliance burden on commercial establishments and improve the business environment in Assam.

Source: Times of India

In detail: Draft Assam Shops and Establishments (Amendment) Bill, 2026

Assam introduces Draft Assam Jan Vishwas Bill, 2026. The bill relaxes certain provisions of town and country planning rules and land reclassification rules.

Source: KNN India

In detail: Draft Assam Jan Vishwas Bill, 2026

Chhattisgarh introduces Draft Chhattisgarh Ease of Doing Business (Exemption and Facilitation) Bill, 2026. The bill is designed to reduce compliance burden and create a more technology-driven ecosystem for the regulation of businesses.

Source: Indian Express

Land Acquisition and Labor Regulations  

Maharashtra approves a reduction in Stamp Duty for registration of 99-year lease agreements of Cooperative Housing Societies in Mumbai. Stamp duty on residential properties has been capped at 0.5 percent, while commercial properties will attract a maximum duty of 1.5 percent.

Source: Hindustan Times

Karnataka issues new guidelines governing the transfer of state government employees. Th guidelines direct departments to ensure that officials are transferred only after being assigned their next posting.

Source: Hindu

Uttar Pradesh mandates that youth trained under the Uttar Pradesh Skill Development Mission (UPSDM) be provided employment within 90 days of completing their training. The new rules aim to ensure that skill development programs lead to meaningful employment.

Source: Indian Masterminds

Infrastructure and Governance

Gujarat increases compensation for farmers whose land is used for electricity transmission infrastructure. The revised rate replaces the earlier ‘jantri-based’ (government-prescribed schedule of minimum property rates) calculation system with compensation now linked to twice the prevailing “market value” of land.

Source: Mint

Karnataka introduces a Permanent Resident Certificate (PRC). To be eligible for a PRC, applicants must have continuously resided in Karnataka for at least 10 years.

Source: The Siasat Daily

Maharashtra offers to rehabilitate eligible residents in slums constructed before January 1, 2011, on government land. Occupants will be rehabilitated appropriately through the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA), Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA), or other housing schemes.

Source: Mid-day

West Bengal imposes a $2 (INR 200) fine for dumping garbage and urinating in open public places.

Source: New Indian Express

Jharkhand issues Draft Jharkhand Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy 2026–2031. The policy aims to integrate AI across different government sectors like healthcare, agriculture, education, mining, environmental management, and disaster response.

Source: Indian Express

In detail: Draft Jharkhand Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy 2026–2031

Water and Sanitation

Nothing critical to report this week.

Center – State Relations   

Nothing critical to report this week.

Any Other

Tamil Nadu bans political party representatives from organizing political activities on school premises. As per the order, only elected representatives attending official government programs will have access to school premises.

Source: Hans India