States Weekly: September 30, 2026

Big News: Goa publishes a Policy for Life-Course Immunization 2026–2036; Karnataka approves a Sustainable Data Center Policy 2026–2031; Karnataka approves the Karnataka Marine Biotechnology Policy 2026-2031; Maharashtra announces the Global Workforce Mobility Policy 2026; Odisha publishes draft Odisha Pedestrian Safety Rules 2026; and more.

Health 

Delhi revises its MCD Health Empanelment Policy. Under the new Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) policy, regular employees and dependents will get cashless indoor treatment at empaneled hospitals at Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) rates.

Source: ANI

Karnataka launches the Karnataka State Multisectoral Action Plan for Salt Reduction and Promotion of Healthy Dietary Habits. The Action Plan specifies measures to cut salt intake by 30 percent by 2030.

Source: Deccan Herald

Goa publishes a Policy for Life-Course Immunization 2026–2036. The policy aims to strengthen protection against vaccine-preventable diseases across adulthood.

Source: Express Healthcare

In detail: Press Release

Nagaland simplifies the registration mechanism for medical, dental, AYUSH, pharmacy, nursing, and allied healthcare practitioners seeking to practice in Nagaland. The Health and Family Welfare Department has dispensed with the requirement of obtaining a “No Objection Certificate” (NOC) from the Council where they are currently registered.

Source: Morung Express

In detail: Press Release

Climate Change and Energy

Bihar publishes draft BERC (Renewable Purchase Obligation, its Compliance and REC Framework Implementation) (1st Amendment) Regulations, 2026. The regulations, issued by the Bihar Electricity Regulatory Commission (BERC) propose to introduce a storage-linked component into the Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO), requiring a specified share of the obligation to be met through solar and wind energy along with or through energy storage systems.

Source: Saur Energy

In detail: Bihar Electricity Regulatory Commission (Renewable Purchase Obligation, its compliance and REC Framework Implementation) (1st Amendment) Regulations, 2026

Delhi approves their ‘DURGA’ e-Auto Scheme. Under the scheme, 1,170 “pink” electric autorickshaws will be allotted to women and 130 to transgender beneficiaries, with a maximum of 90 women-allotted and 10 transgender-allotted autos per revenue district.

Source: Indian Express

In detail: Press Release

Tamil Nadu launches the Tamil Nadu Rooftop Solar Subsidy Scheme. Under the scheme, consumers eligible for the Union government’s subsidy from August 5, 2026, will receive an additional subsidy from the State.

Source: New Indian Express

Chhattisgarh issues CSERC Third Amendment to the Grid Interactive Distributed Renewable Energy Sources Regulations, 2019. The draft regulations, issued by the Chhattisgarh State Electricity Regulatory Commission (CSERC) seek to update the regulatory framework in line with emerging technologies, including battery energy storage systems (BESS), while addressing operational issues raised by renewable energy developers, distribution licensees, and the State Load Dispatch Center.

Source: Solar Quarter

In detail: Draft Chhattisgarh State Electricity Regulatory Commission (Grid Interactive Distributed Renewable Energy Sources) (Third Amendment) Regulations, 2026

The Union Territory of Chandigarh issues a 4th Amendment to the Chandigarh Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy, 2022. The amendment discontinues the cash subsidy under its Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy, 2022, while retaining other incentives, including exemptions on road tax and registration fees.

Source: Hindustan Times

In detail: 4th Amendments to the Chandigarh Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy, 2022

Finance

Nothing critical to report this week.

Industrial Policy and Business Regulations

Haryana reimburses 50 percent of eligible expenditure incurred by micro and small enterprises on branding, digital marketing, e-commerce listings, and export promotions. The assistance is capped at $10,433 (INR 10 lakh) per year. Support is being provided under the “PADMA” Designing, Branding, Marketing & Exports Promotion Scheme, part of the state’s five-year program to Accelerate Development for MSME Advancement (PADMA).

Source: Times of India

In detail: Program to Accelerate Development for MSME Advancement (PADMA)

Karnataka approves a Sustainable Data Center Policy 2026–2031. Under this policy, the state will target 1 Gigawatts (GW) of cumulative Data Center IT load and 10-12 percent of India’s AI-ready Data Center capacity by 2031.

Source: The Print

Karnataka approves the Karnataka Marine Biotechnology Policy 2026-2031. The five-year framework aims at unlocking the economic potential of the state’s “Blue Bioeconomy” along its 211 mile (340 km) long coastline. 

Source: The Print

Land Acquisition and Labor Regulations

Maharashtra announces the Global Workforce Mobility Policy 2026. The policy aims to prepare the state’s skilled workforce for employment opportunities in international markets through country-specific training, language courses, certification, and a more secure recruitment process. A key feature of the policy is the proposed development of country-wise “Skill Passports,” which will map the manpower requirements and skill needs of different countries.

Source: HRKatha

Infrastructure and Governance

Andhra Pradesh restores higher rates of Additional Quantum of Pension and Family Pension (AQP). The additional old-age pension will apply for eligible pensioners who have reached ages 70 and 75. The revised rates will raise the additional pension from 7 percent to 10 percent at age 70 and from 12 percent to 15 percent at age 75.

Source: Money Control

In detail: Additional Quantum of Pension and Family Pension Order

Bihar approves the ‘Mukhyamantri Gaudhan Vikas Rin Yojana’ (Chief Minister's Cattle Wealth Development Loan Scheme) for 2026-27 to 2028-29. Under the scheme, the state will pay full interest on bank loans taken for the purchase of 3 improved-breed cows or 2 buffaloes — farmers will only need to repay the loan principal.

Source: Daily Excelsior

In detail: Cabinet Decisions

Gujarat announces its Gujarat State Child Protection Policy 2026. The policy aims to ensure a safe and dignified childhood, with access to education, healthcare, holistic development, and the right to express their views.

Source: The Print

In detail: Press Release

Jammu and Kashmir approves six free domestic Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) refills a year. The free refills apply to eligible ‘Antyodaya Anna Yojana’ (Food Scheme for the Upliftment of the Poorest) households.

Source: Kashmir Life

In detail: JK LPG Scheme notification

Punjab announces an 8 percent increase in Dearness Allowance (DA). The revised DA is expected to take effect from September 1, 2026, taking the total DA rate from 42 percent to 50 percent.

Source: Outlook

In detail: DA Notification

Odisha publishes draft Odisha Pedestrian Safety Rules 2026. The rules aim to improve pedestrian safety across the state, proposing mandatory footpaths, safer crossings, stricter enforcement against encroachments, and protection of vulnerable road users.

Source: Times of India

In detail: Odisha Pedestrian Safety Rules, 2026

Water and Sanitation

Nothing critical to report this week.

Center – State Relations

The Union government extends “disturbed area” status in specified areas of Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, and Manipur for another six months from October 1, 2026. The extension is ordered under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958.

Source: New Indian Express

In detail: AFSPA Notification - Arunachal Pradesh (PDF); AFSPA Notification –Manipur (PDF); AFSPA Notification –Nagaland (PDF)

Any Other

Assam approves the Assam Muslim Marriage Registration (Compulsory) Rules, 2026. The rules call for all Muslim marriages to be registered by civil-registrar officials.

Source: NDTV