States Weekly: November 1, 2023

Big News: Kerala releases the Draft Kerala Export Promotion Policy 2023 and its Draft Kerala IT Policy 2023; Delhi releases the Draft Electronic System Design, Manufacturing and Refurbishment (ESDMR) Policy 2022-27; Chandigarh proposes the Chandigarh Startup Policy; and more.

Health 

Nothing critical to report this week.

Climate Change

Nothing critical to report this week.

Energy

Andhra Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (APERC) invites comments and objections on the APERC Transmission Licence Regulation, 2023, (AP-TLR), which aims to facilitate the entry of private companies into the power transmission business in the state. Stakeholders are required to submit their comments by November 7. Source: The Hindu; In detail: Draft regulation

Finance

Nothing critical to report this week.

Industrial Policy & Business Regulations  

Kerala releases the Draft Kerala Export Promotion Policy 2023, aimed at creating an enabling environment for export-oriented businesses in the state. The policy focuses on four sectors, namely: spices, food and agriculture, plantation produce; marine products; engineering goods; and petroleum products. Source: The Hindu; In detail: Draft Kerala Export Promotion Policy 2023

Kerala releases the Draft Kerala IT Policy 2023, aiming to generate 500,000 jobs within the next five years. The policy aims to ease land availability for entrepreneurs by leasing government land to companies and offering incentives for startups on private land. Source: Mathrubhumi; In detail: Kerala IT Policy 2023 Draft

Delhi releases the Draft Electronic System Design, Manufacturing and Refurbishment (ESDMR) Policy 2022-27, aimed at creating an electronics city in the state. The policy focuses on plug and play facilities for designers and manufacturers and creating an enabling environment for startups. Source: Economic Times; In detail: Draft electronic system design, manufacturing and refurbishment (ESDMR) policy 2022-27

Punjab issues a notification for constituting industrial advisory commissions for 26 sectors aimed at promoting holistic business development in the state. According to the notification, each advisory commission will be headed by a renowned industry stakeholder who will hold a rank equivalent to that of a cabinet minister. Source: Money Control; In detail: Notification

Chandigarh proposes the Chandigarh Startup Policy, aiming to boost innovation and research in sectors such as education, health, and information technology (IT). The policy also calls for the establishment of the Chandigarh Innovation Council. Source: Times of India; In detail: Draft Chandigarh Startup Policy 2022

Land Acquisition &Labor Regulations  

Haryana amends the Deployment of Contractual Persons Policy, 2022, altering the selection criteria for employees on contract. The merit list of the candidates will now be prepared based on annual family income, age of the candidate, socio-economic criteria, skill qualification, additional higher qualification, Common Eligibility Test, ease of deployment and experience. Source: The Tribune; In detail: Deployment of Contractual Persons Policy, 2022 – Notification

Haryana announces the regularization of 190 colonies spanning across 10 districts. Regularization involves transferring ownership rights or recognizing the legal status of residents living in unauthorized colonies. The government also announced plans to allocate about $167.8 million for the holistic development of these colonies. Source: Free Press Journal; In detail: Press release

Infrastructure & Governance

Madhya Pradesh receives a $175 million loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to enhance road connectivity and climate resilience in the state. Source: Economic Times; In detail: Press release

Jharkhand approves a $1.95 billion project for building 800,000 houses for the needy by March 31, 2026. Source: Economic Times; In detail: Press release

Center – State Relations 

Grid Controller of India issues the Procedure to implement uniform renewable energy tariff for the central pool of projects connected to interstate transmission systems (ISTS). The procedure was issued as a follow-up to the announcement in August last year when the Ministry of Power proposed establishing central pools of ISTS-connected renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hybrid, and storage. Source: Mercom; In detail: Procedure for implementation of uniform renewable energy tariff

Any Other

Nothing critical to report this week.