States Weekly: October 7, 2026

Big News:  Jammu and Kashmir passes the Jammu and Kashmir Ease of Doing Business Bill, 2026; Gujarat releases Operational Guidelines for their Global Capability Centers (GCCs) Policy, 2025-2030; Bihar issues the Bihar Green Hydrogen Policy 2026; Karnataka announces a Textile and Apparel Policy 2026-2031; Odisha passes the Odisha Jan Vishwas Bill 2026; Puducherry issues a revised Operation and Maintenance Policy for Rural Water Supply; and more.

Health 

Maharashtra issues a compliance order concerning the manufacture, sale, labeling, and promotion of infant foods and milk substitutes. The order, issued by the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA), cites concerns over a preference for formula over breastfeeding, and emerging health issues among adolescents as part of the need for stricter enforcement.

Source: The Hindu

Nagaland issues a Health Safety Advisory. The Advisory cautions against the indiscriminate use of painkillers, particularly “Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs” (NSAIDs).

Source: Nagaland Tribune

In detail: Press Release

Mizoram launches a State Action Plan to “Combat Drug Menace” 2026-2029. The plan calls for a coordinated effort involving government agencies, civil society organizations, churches, and local communities. 

Source: Times of India

In detail: Press Release

Climate Change and Energy

Jammu and Kashmir releases the Jammu and Kashmir Compressed Biogas (CBG) Policy 2026. The policy offers financial incentives, subsidized land, and time-bound approvals to promote investment in compressed bio-gas production and convert organic waste into clean fuel and bio-manure.

Source: Greater Kashmir

In detail: Jammu and Kashmir Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) Policy 2026

Jammu and Kashmir releases the Jammu and Kashmir Electric Vehicle Policy 2026-2032. The policy sets a six-year roadmap to expand clean, affordable, and weather resilient electric mobility across Jammu and Kashmir.

Source: Economic Times

In detail: Electric Vehicle Policy 2026-2032

Odisha extends the validity of the Odisha Electric Vehicle Policy, 2021. The policy will now expire on December 31, 2026.

Source: The Print

In detail: Odisha Electric Vehicle Policy Notification

Uttarakhand approves an additional surcharge of $ 0.0069 (INR 0.67) per unit on Open Access Power consumers in the state. The surcharge, issued by the Uttarakhand Electricity Regulatory Commission (UERC), will apply prospectively for six months from October 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027.

Source: Solar Quarter

In detail: UERC Order

Gujarat announces concessions for scrapping old vehicles and purchasing new ones. Up to 50 percent concession in Motor Vehicle Tax will be provided at the time of registration of a new vehicle, based on the Certificate of Deposit (COD) issued after authorized scrapping of eligible old vehicles. The policy aims to reduce the number of older, more polluting vehicles in operation.

Source: Economic Times

In detail: Notification

Finance

Nothing critical to report this week.

Industrial Policy and Business Regulations

Gujarat releases Operational Guidelines for their Global Capability Centers (GCCs) Policy, 2025-2030. The GCCs Operational Guidelines provides a framework for recognizing GCCs, setting up new GCCs, and expanding existing facilities.

Source: Blunt Times

In detail: Operation Guidelines (GCC Policy 2025-30)

Jammu and Kashmir passes the Jammu and Kashmir Ease of Doing Business Bill, 2026. The bill provides time-bound approvals, deemed clearances in specified circumstances, reduction of several No-Objection Certificates (NOCs), and restrictions on routine inspections of newly established enterprises.

Source: Deccan Herald

In detail: Jammu and Kashmir Ease of Doing Business Bill, 2026

Karnataka announces a Textile and Apparel Policy 2026-2031. The policy aims to secure $2.07 billion (INR 20,000 crore) in domestic and foreign direct investment across Karnataka’s textile value chain over the next 5 years. The policy also aims to create 500,000 new jobs, with a focus on Northeastern Karnataka and Tier 2 and 3 cities.

Source: The Hindu

Land Acquisition and Labor Regulations

Maharashtra releases revised guidelines under Section 79A of the Maharashtra Cooperative Societies Act. The new guidelines release a time-bound framework for the redevelopment of cooperative housing societies, requiring developers to complete projects within two years.

Source: Hindustan Times

In detail: Revised Guidelines

Delhi issues Delhi School Education (Amendment) Rules, 2026. Public Trusts and societies seeking government or municipal land to establish private schools in Delhi will have to obtain an “Essentiality Certificate” from the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi before the land is purchased or allotted.

Source: Hindustan Times

In detail: Delhi School Education (Amendment) Rules, 2026

Infrastructure and Governance

Bihar removes the Value-Added Tax (VAT) on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF). The order applies to airports under the ‘Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) – Modified UDAN 6.0.” UDAN 6.0 is the next 10-year phase (FY 2026-27 to FY 2035-36) of India's flagship regional aviation program. The scheme is designed to make air travel sustainable and accessible for the next decade.

Source: ETV

In detail: Cabinet Decisions

Bihar issues the Bihar Green Hydrogen Policy 2026. The policy targets production of 100,000 tons of green hydrogen annually by 2031, backed by 1GW electrolyzer capacity, 2.5GW renewable energy, and $1.67 billion (INR 16,000 crore) investment.

Source: The Hindu

Madhya Pradesh approves a 20 percent horizontal reservation for former Agniveers (non-regular service Army recruits) in several uniformed services. The reservation will apply to recruitment for police constables, the Special Armed Force, jail guards, forest guards, and excise constables.

Source: Times of India

In detail: Cabinet decisions

Jammu and Kashmir passes the Jammu and Kashmir State Laws (Decriminalization of Offences) Bill 2026. The legislation targets the removal of minor and outdated offenses and intends to reduce the burden on local courts.

Source: Greater Kashmir

In detail: Jammu and Kashmir State Laws (Decriminalization of Offences) Bill 2026

Jammu and Kashmir passes the Jammu and Kashmir Municipal (Amendment) Bill 2026. The bill aims to clarify and remove ambiguities in existing laws, including the provision relating to the minimum strength of municipal bodies and the authority responsible for municipal ward delimitation.

Source: Greater Kashmir

Odisha passes the Odisha Jan Vishwas Bill 2026. It amends 62 provisions across 16 state Acts, decriminalizes 35 minor offenses by replacing jail terms or disproportionate fines with monetary penalties and eases 27 licensing and regulatory requirements to cut compliance burdens for citizens and businesses.

Source: New Indian Express

Odisha passes the Indian Stamp (Odisha Amendment) Bill 2026. The bill simplifies apartment registration by replacing the earlier slab-based stamp duty (3–5 percent, depending on value) with a uniform 5 percent rate on individual apartment transfers, while fixing a flat $520 (INR 50,000) stamp duty on the transfer of common areas and facilities from builders to owners' associations.

Source: New Indian Express

Odisha passes the Odisha State Tax on Professions, Trades, Callings and Employments Bill 2026. This formally repeals the state's two-decade-old professional tax law and removes any professional tax on salaried employees or professionals.

Source: New Indian Express

Sikkim increases the Dearness Allowance (DA) for state government employees and Dearness Relief (DR) for pensioners with effect from January 1, 2027.

Source: India Today

In detail: Notification

Maharashtra announces a Fodder Development Policy. The policy provides a district-wise plan for cultivation of grasses, fodder trees, and improved fodder crops.

Source: The Hindu

Water and Sanitation

Puducherry issues a revised Operation and Maintenance Policy for Rural Water Supply. The policy introduces time-bound norms for fixing leaks, testing water quality, handling contamination, and responding to public complaints.

Source: The Hindu

In detail: Operation and Maintenance Policy for Rural Water Supply

Center – State Relations

Nothing critical to report this week.

Any Other

Andhra Pradesh approves a Social Media Influencers (SMIs) Policy. The policy empanels content creators to publicize government schemes on digital platforms.

Source: The Print