States Weekly: September 11, 2024

Newsletter by Akshat Singh

Published September 11, 2024

Big News: Union Ministry of Home Affairs, and Tripura, sign a Memorandum of Settlement with armed groups to end violent conflict in the state; Tamil Nadu releases the Tamil Nadu Cyber Security Policy 2.0; Karnataka launches the Karnataka Biotechnology Policy 2024-2029; Chhattisgarh State Electricity Regulatory Commission releases the Framework for Resource Adequacy Regulations, 2024; and more.

Health 

Assam announces a comprehensive insurance policy for state government employees. Under the new scheme, state employees are entitled to $11,900 in life insurance coverage, and up to $119,000 in the event of accidental death. Similarly, total disability is covered with a sum of $119,000, and partial disability is covered with $95,000. Source: Business Standard

Jharkhand approves medical insurance up to $5,953 for lawyers in the state. This decision is expected to benefit about 30,000 lawyers. Source: Business Standard

Climate Change & Energy

Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission (GERC) issues an order updating wind power tariffs in the state. As per the order, GERC has set a levelized tariff of~$0.034/kWh for wind power projects with capacities below 10 MW commissioned between June 6, 2022, and March 31, 2027. This decision comes in light of the revised competitive bidding guidelines issued by the Ministry of Power. Source: Mercom

Tamil Nadu introduces the Tamil Nadu Repowering, Refurbishment & Life Extension Policy for Wind Power Projects, 2024. The policy aims to incentivise developers to invest in upgrading and replacing older turbines, thereby enhancing the efficiency and productivity of wind energy generation in the state. Source: Outlook; In detail: Tamil Nadu Repowering, Refurbishment & Life Extension Policy for Wind Power Projects, 2024

Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC) releases the Procurement of Energy from Renewable Sources and its Compliance Regulations, 2024. The draft regulations apply to distribution licensees, conventional captive users, and open-access customers, and focus on promoting the procurement of energy from renewable sources within Odisha. Source: Solar Quarter; In detail: OERC (Procurement of Energy from Renewable Sources and its Compliance) Regulations, 2024

Tamil Nadu approves the Tamil Nadu Small Hydel Policy 2024, encouraging private developers to generate electricity for self-consumption or third-party sale. The policy aims to enhance local energy production and support rural electrification. Source: The Hindu; In detail: Tamil Nadu Small Hydel Policy 2024

Chhattisgarh State Electricity Regulatory Commission releases the Framework for Resource Adequacy Regulations, 2024. The primary goal of the framework is to assess, plan, and allocate the generation of electricity in a way that ensures reliable service for the population. Source: Solar Quarter; In detail: Chhattisgarh State Electricity Regulatory Commission (Framework for Resource Adequacy) Regulations, 2024

Himachal Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (HPERC) releases the draft Terms and Conditions for Green Energy Open Access and Banking Regulations, 2024 aimed at advancing renewable energy adoption in the state. The proposed regulations outline a framework designed to facilitate green energy open access (GEOA) and enhance the integration of green energy. Source: Energetica; In detail: HPERC (Terms and Conditions for Green Energy Open Access and Banking) Regulations, 2024

Telangana Electricity Regulatory Commission (TGERC) issues a detailed draft procedure for verifying the captive status of generating plants and their users in the state. The draft procedure aims to ensure compliance with the statutory requirements for captive power generation, offering a structured approach to verification. Source: Mercom; In detail: TGERC Regulations

Finance

Nothing critical to report this week

Industrial Policy & Business Regulations 

Karnataka launches the Karnataka Biotechnology Policy 2024-2029, setting a target of expanding the state's bioeconomy to $100 billion by 2030. Source: Business World; In detail: Draft Biotechnology Policy

Kerala approves the Kerala Logistics Park Policy 2024. The policy aims to establish large-scale and mini-logistics parks across the state through private investments and public-private partnerships. Source: Good Returns; In detail: Draft Logistics Parks Policy 2024

Land Acquisition & Labor Regulations 

Nothing critical to report this week

Infrastructure & Governance

Tamil Nadu releases the Tamil Nadu Cyber Security Policy 2.0. The policy lists out steps for ensuring the protection of government assets through guidelines, standard operating procedures (SOP) for audit, compliance and monitoring of cyber threats and attacks. Source: The Hindu; In detail: Tamil Nadu Cyber Security Policy 2.0

Odisha launches the "CM Kisan Yojana" under which marginal farmers will be provided bi-annual assistance of $25 each, and landless farmers will receive $150 each. The scheme is expected to benefit over 4.6 million farmers. Source: Deccan Herald

Punjab approves an increase in value-added tax (VAT) on petrol and diesel prices by $0.0072 and $0.010 per litre, respectively. Source: Indian Express

Water & Sanitation

Nothing critical to report this week.

Center - State Relations 

Union Ministry of Home Affairs, Tripura, the National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) and the All-Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF) sign a joint Memorandum of Settlement marking a formal end to the violent conflict ongoing in the state since the past 35 years. As per the agreement, armed cadres from the organizations will give up violence, and the organizations will be eventually disbanded. Source: Tripura Star News; In detail: Press release

Any Other

Nothing critical to report this week.

Programs & Projects