States Weekly: October 2, 2024

Newsletter by Akshat Singh

Published October 2, 2024

Big News: Union Ministry of Home Affairs extends the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, for six more months in eight districts in Nagaland, and three districts in Arunachal Pradesh; Delhi increases the minimum wages in the state; Delhi releases a 21-point Winter Action Plan aimed at reducing vehicular pollution in the city; Karnataka launches the draft Global Capability Centres (GCC) Policy; and more.

Health 

Nothing critical to report this week.

Climate Change & Energy

Delhi releases a 21-point Winter Action Plan aimed at reducing vehicular pollution in the city. Key measures include encouraging office workers to adopt a work-from-home arrangement to decrease the number of private cars on the roads. Additionally, the government will also use drones to monitor and identify sources of air pollution. Source: Business Standard

Finance

Nothing critical to report this week

Industrial Policy & Business Regulations 

Karnataka launches the draft Global Capability Centres (GCC) Policy, aiming to attract 500 new GCCs, create 350,000 new jobs, and generate economic output of $50 million by 2029. The draft policy provides incentives for skilling, including technical and soft skill enhancement for graduates and diploma holders. Source: The Hindu; In detail: Draft Global Capability Centres (GCC) Policy

Maharashtra announces a complete stamp duty waiver on land leases and subsequent sub-leases within the India Jewellery Park in the state. The decision aims to encourage investment in the jewellery sector and promote the development of the India Jewellery Park. Source: GJEPC; In detail: Maharashtra Gazette notification

Land Acquisition & Labor Regulations 

Delhi announces a hike in the minimum wage for various categories of workers in the national capital. As per the revision, unskilled workers will receive a minimum of $215.77 per month, while semi-skilled workers will earn $238 and skilled workers $262 per month. Source: Hindustan Times; In detail: Notification

Maharashtra releases the draft Housing Policy 2024 with a focus on economically weaker sections, lower income groups and middle-income groups. The policy aims to promote affordable housing, sustainable urban development, and inclusive growth in the state. Source: Hindustan Times; In detail: Maharashtra draft Housing Policy 2024

Infrastructure & Governance

Odisha announces the extension of maternity and paternity leave benefits to state government employees opting for surrogacy. As per the notification, employees may be eligible for a maternity leave for 180 days or a paternity leave for 15 days. Source: Business Standard

Water & Sanitation

Nothing critical to report this week

Center - State Relations 

Union Ministry of Home Affairs extends the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, for six months in eight districts in Nagaland, and three districts in Arunachal Pradesh. The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act grants extensive authority to armed forces operating in designated disturbed areas, allowing them to conduct searches, make arrests, and use force, including opening fire, if they believe it is necessary to uphold public order. Source: Mint; In detail: Gazette notification - Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh

Any Other

Maharashtra approves the Maharashtra Cultural Policy 2024. The policy mandates Marathi to be taught in all schools for a minimum of four years. Additionally, the government has also made it mandatory for government, semi-government and private institutes and organisations registered in the state to have Marathi websites. Source: Hindustan Times; In detail: Cabinet decisions (in Marathi)

Tripura releases the "CM SATH" scheme to support meritorious students for higher education. The scheme aims to provide $715 annually to support the education for 200 selected students in the state. Source: Economic Times; In detail: Press release

Programs & Projects