States Weekly: September 23, 2026

Big News: Tamil Nadu issues the Tamil Nadu State Mental Health Regulations, 2026; Assam issues its Assam Cooling Action Plan (ACAP); Keralam approves the Saral Keralam single-window investment approval system; Maharashtra approves the Pragati healthtech reform program; and more.

Health 

Jharkhand approves a $13 million (INR 124.37 crore) scheme to provide free sanitary pads to students in government schools every month.

Source: ETV Bharat

In detail: myScheme

Maharashtra approves the Pragati (Primary Healthcare Reimagined with Advanced Governance and Accessible Technology Integration). The initiative aims to strengthen primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare through better infrastructure, digital integration, disease prevention and early diagnosis.
Source: Times of India

In detail: Notification regarding implementation of PRAGATI (in Marathi)

Tamil Nadu releases Tamil Nadu State Mental Healthcare Regulations, 2026. The regulations create enforceable standards for psychiatric hospitals, de-addiction centers, and rehabilitation homes, with safeguards to prevent critically ill patients from being admitted to facilities incapable of managing medical emergencies.

Source: Times of India

Meghalaya inaugurates three Mobile Medical Units (MMUs) to strengthen primary and preventive healthcare in remote areas of the state. A key focus will be screening and management of non-communicable diseases, along with cancer screening and vision care.

Source: Highland Post

In detail: Press Release

Nagaland launches “Teeka Talk.” The initiative aims to strengthen awareness and informed engagement around HPV vaccination and cervical cancer prevention among adolescent girls, parents and communities.

Source: The Print

In detail: Press Release

Delhi approves a proposal to double the monthly incentive for ASHA workers from $31 (INR 3,000) to $62 (INR 6,000).

Source: The Print

In detail: Press Release

Climate Change and Energy

Gujarat has set the (GERC) Additional Surcharge for Open Access Electricity Consumers in Gujarat at $0.01 (INR 0.99) per kW. The surcharge, set by the Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission (GERC), will apply for the six-month period from October 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027.

Source: Solar Quarter

In detail: Order

Maharashtra issues clarifications on the implementation of its Renewable Energy and Energy Storage Policy 2025-26 to 2035-36. Under the clarification, renewable energy projects that had received in-principle grid connectivity approval before March 18, 2026, will continue to be governed by the 2015 or 2020 renewable energy policy, as applicable.

Source: Energetica

In detail: FAQs

Assam launches its Cooling Action Plan (ACAP), making it one of the first states in India to develop an integrated state-level framework covering four priority sectors - buildings, cold chain, industry and transport.

Source: Assam Tribune

Finance

Nothing critical to report this week.

Industrial Policy and Business Regulations

Keralam approves “Saral Keralam,” a new single-window clearance initiative designed to streamline and accelerate investment approvals in the state through the amendment of 19 existing laws.

Source: The Statesman

Land Acquisition and Labor Regulations

Andhra Pradesh enhances the upper age limits for recruitment to various government posts, 892 of which are vacant across 20 departments. The revised age limits will remain in force until September 30, 2027.

Source: Deccan Chronicle

In detail: Order

Infrastructure and Governance

Bihar approves the Bihar District Mineral Foundation (Amendment) Rules, 2026. The rules change how mining revenue funds are distributed and governed within mining-affected districts. Under the old rules, 60 percent of DMF funds were earmarked for the block from which minerals were extracted, while 40 percent could be spent in other blocks of the district. The amendment shifts this to 70 percent for the producing block and 30 percent for other blocks in the district.

Source: Amar Ujala

In detail: Cabinet Decision (Hindi)

Jammu and Kashmir sanctions free public transport services for differently abled persons in the Union Territory.

Source: Greater Kashmir

In detail: Press Release

Tripura launches a state-level initiative to introduce school students to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and equip them with skills relevant to an increasingly technology-driven future.

Source: Telegraph India

West Bengal launches an online portal to foster grassroots innovation across the eastern region to address societal issues like health, agriculture, and water management.

Source: Hindu

In detail: Portal

Water and Sanitation

Mizoram launches a new four-category waste collection and segregation system in Aizawl to strengthen solid waste management and improve recycling.

Source: India Today

In detail: Press Release

Bihar approves the Bihar Water Resources Rehabilitation and Desilt Management Policy, 2026. It aims to remove silt from rivers, barrages and reservoirs and use this silt for soil filling in construction works.

Source: Amar Ujala

In detail: Cabinet Decision (Hindi)

Center – State Relations

Nothing critical to report this week.

Any Other

Manipur launches two cleanliness drives aimed at boosting waste-management infrastructure and undertaking awareness activities: the “Swachhata Hi Seva, 2026” campaign and the Clean Himalayan Hill Cities Initiative. Under these initiatives, behavioral change, scientific waste management and community ownership will be promoted under a ‘Whole of Society’ approach to tackle solid waste and sanitation challenges in fragile mountain regions.

Source: The Print