States Weekly: October 29, 2025

Big News: Kerala standardizes Working Hours for Hospitals; Andhra Pradesh issues APERC (Terms and Conditions for Tariff Determination from Renewable Energy Sources) Regulation, 2025; Karnataka launches ‘e-Khata’ (e-Property Registration Document) Drive; Rajasthan publishes its Developed Rajasthan @ 2047 Vision Document; Tamil Nadu offers Free Meals to Sanitation Workers; and more.

Health 

Punjab bans 112 Substandard Drugs. The ban is based on a list of substandard drugs issued by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO). Some of these drugs have led to fatalities. 

Source: Tribune

Maharashtra sets up a Health Committee. A new 12-person committee has been set up by the state to help coordinate various central and state-led health schemes, prevent duplication of benefits, and ensure effective execution of all health-related programs. The committee will function under the supervision of the Chief Minister's Relief Fund and the Charitable Hospitals Assistance Cell.

Source: Times of India

In detail: Government Resolution

Kerala standardizes Working Hours for Hospitals. The new working hours of employees, including nurses, in all private hospitals across the state will be aligned with government-operated hospital shift systems. The Labor Department mandates a 6-6-12 hour shift system for all staff, irrespective of the number of beds in a hospital. Employees working beyond their shift hours are entitled to overtime pay, applicable for up to 208 hours per month. Previously, the shift system applied only to private hospitals with more than 100 beds, with 6-hour day shifts and 12-hour night shifts.

Source: Mathrubhumi

In detail: Kerala Government Order

Climate Change and Energy

Andhra Pradesh issues APERC (Terms and Conditions for Tariff Determination from Renewable Energy Sources) Regulation, 2025. The regulations, issued by the Andhra Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (APERC), lays down the framework for determining tariffs for renewable energy projects under Section 62 of the Electricity Act, 2003, and applies to all grid-connected renewable energy-based generating stations commissioned during the control period.

Source: Mercom

In detail: APERC Terms and Conditions for Tariff Determination from Renewable Energy Sources Regulation 2025

Assam amends AERC (Terms and Conditions for Open Access) Regulations, 2024 (First Amendment), 2025. This new direction is part of the Assam Electricity Regulatory Commission’s (AERC) efforts to promote “Open Access,” following a petition filed earlier this year regarding existing rules. The new rules aim to make it easier for consumers to access green and renewable energy.

Source: Solar Quarter

In detail: Draft AERC (Terms and Conditions for Open Access) Regulations, 2024, (First Amendment), 2025

Jharkhand notifies (JSERC) Terms and Conditions for Determination of Generation Tariff) Regulations, 2025. The regulations issued by the Jharkhand State Electricity Regulatory Commission (JSERC) will govern the process of power tariff determination in Jharkhand from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2031. The new framework aims to promote efficiency, fair competition, and optimal use of resources among generating companies operating in the state.

Source: Solar Quarter

In detail: JSERC (Terms and Conditions for Determination of Generation Tariff) Regulations, 2025

Uttarakhand mandates a Green Tax. The tax will be collected from vehicles coming to Uttarakhand from December 2025. The decision aims to control pollution, protect the environment, and promote cleanliness in the state. Different tax rates have been fixed for various vehicle categories -- $0.91 (INR 80) for small vehicles, $2.84 (INR 250) for small cargo vehicles, $1.59 (INR 140) for buses, and between $1.36 (INR 120) and $7.96 (INR 700) for trucks.

Source: NDTV

Finance

Nothing critical to report this week

Industrial Policy and Business Regulations

Kerala releases “Vision 2031” Document for the Industries Sector. The document lays out a plan of action to transform the state into a competitive industrial destination through reforms, dedicated corridors, innovation hubs, and sustainable development initiatives. The document also proposes amendments to the Kerala Industrial Single Window Clearance Boards and the Industrial Township Area Development Act, 1999.

Source: The Hindu

Land Acquisition and Labor Regulations

Andhra Pradesh approves Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for online Change of Land Use (CLU) Permissions. The new SOP, under the Andhra Pradesh Development Permission Management System (APDPMS) 2.0 aims to enhance the ease of doing business across the state. The new framework enables individuals, developers, and institutions to apply online for land conversions, such as agricultural to residential or residential to commercial, through a fully digital, paperless process governed by a strict 45-day Service Level Agreement (SLA).

Source: Deccan Chronicle

Andhra Pradesh introduces Common Zoning Regulations (CZR) – 2025. The regulations offer a new framework that reorganizes land-use categories from 16 to 9, ensuring clarity for developers and citizens, while protecting eco-sensitive zones. The newly formed nine comprehensive zones are — Residential Zone (R), Commercial Zone (C), Public & Semi-public Zone (PS), Industrial Zone (I), Recreational Zone (RE), Transportation Zone (T), Mixed Use Zone (M), Agriculture Use Zone (A), Development Restricted / Protected Use Zone (SA/PR).

Source: The Hindu

In detail: Common Zoning Regulations 2025

Delhi amends Labor Regulations for Women. The state will now allow women to work at shops and commercial establishments at night. This will require mandatory written consent from the employee.

Source: Hindustan Times

In detail: Notification

Haryana introduces a new Economically Weaker Section (EWC) Housing Policy. The updated policy requires property developers to reserve 20 percent of plots and 15 percent of flats for EWS beneficiaries across all licensed residential colonies in the state.

Source: Times of India

In detail: Policy Notification

Karnataka launches ‘e-Khata’ (e-Property Registration Document) Drive. The initiative, part of the ‘e-Swathu' (e-Property) Digitization Program, seeks to bring thousands of unauthorized and/or unrecorded properties under the official documentation system, granting them formal recognition and facilitating smooth ownership transfers and taxation.

Source: Hindustan Times

Tamil Nadu proposes amendments to Tamil Nadu Factories Rules, 1950. The new proposals permit women to work in 20 operations previously listed as “dangerous,” including: electrolytic processing, lead processing, glass manufacturing, and in the manufacture and treatment of lead. It also proposes to amend rules to obtain mandatory written consent from women workers who are interested in night shifts. 

Source: The Hindu

In detail: Draft Amendments to the Tamil Nadu Factories Rules

Infrastructure and Governance

Haryana mandates Paperless Deed Registration. The new policy signals a complete transition from the traditional paper registration system to a fully digital, transparent, and citizen-friendly online platform.

Source: Lokmat Times

In detail: Press Release

Madhya Pradesh amends Land Disposal Policy. Under the new rules, the reserved price of land will now be fixed at 100 percent of the area as per the District Collector’s guideline rate. As per the amendment to clause 10.11 of the Re-Densification Policy 2022, the offset value, earlier determined based on 60 percent area and 100 percent guideline rate, will now be calculated on 100 percent area and 100 percent guideline rate.

Source: Free Press Journal

In detail: Madhya Pradesh Cabinet Decisions

Rajasthan publishes its Developed Rajasthan @ 2047 Vision Document. The document outlines a roadmap to transform Rajasthan into a developed state. The vision document aims for growth built on four pillars -- agriculture, industry, tourism, and renewable energy. It envisions world-class infrastructure, a 100 percent literacy rate, accessible healthcare services, sustainable water management, and women and youth empowerment.

Source: Economic Times

In detail: Rajasthan Vision 2047

Assam approves Key Policies. The state approves proposals under Mission Basundhara 2.0 for the allotment of land ‘pattas’ (ownership certificates) to landless indigenous families. The initiative aims to ensure equitable access to land resources among native Assamese communities. The state also approves amendments to the Assam Elementary and Secondary Schools Teachers’ (Regulation of Posting and Transfer) Bill, 2025, aiming to help 12,000 contractual teachers obtain tenure and job security.

Source: Times of India

In detail: Cabinet decisions

Water and Sanitation

Tamil Nadu offers Free Meals to Sanitation Workers. The new daily meal scheme will offer free breakfast, lunch, and dinner to sanitation workers every day. The scheme will be implemented first in the Greater Chennai Corporation area, with plans to expand it to other urban and local bodies across the state.

Source: The News Minute

Center – State Relations

Nothing critical to report this week.

Any Other

Nothing critical to report this week.