States Weekly: July 3, 2024

Newsletter by Akshat Singh

Published July 3, 2024

Big News: Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) grants a licence for transmission and distribution operations in Madhya Pradesh; Madhya Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (MPERC) releases the Madhya Pradesh Electricity Distribution Code (Revision-1), 2024; Maharashtra presents the State Budget 2024 with a total outlay of ~$78.24 billion ahead of state assembly elections in October; Karnataka publishes the draft Karnataka Platform Based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Bill 2024; Jammu and Kashmir releases the draft Jammu and Kashmir Grant and Utilisation of Transferable Development Rights Policy 2024; and more.

Health 

Jharkhand approves the "Mukhya Mantri Abua Swasth Suraksha" scheme aimed at providing health insurance cover to citizens who are not covered under the central government's "Ayushman Bharat" scheme. The scheme aims to provide a health cover of $17,988 to 3.34 million people. Source: Economic Times; In detail: Jharkhand Mukhya Mantri Abua Swasth Suraksha Guidelines

Climate Change & Energy

Madhya Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (MPERC) releases the Madhya Pradesh Electricity Distribution Code (Revision-1), 2024 aimed at providing the framework and procedures for planning, development, operation, maintenance and use of the distribution systems of the licensee in its area of supply. The code aims to improve electricity supply for consumers. In detail: Madhya Pradesh Electricity Distribution Code (Revision-1), 2024

Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) grants a licence for transmission and distribution operations in Madhya Pradesh. The licence, issued to a yet-to-be-named entity, allows for the transmission and distribution of electricity in the region, improving competition, enhancing accessibility and reliability of power supply. Source: Construction world

Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) introduces the DERC Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Energy Transaction Guidelines 2024. The guidelines are focused on promoting the use of renewable energy and enhancing the opportunities for consumers and prosumers within the city's distribution network. Source: Solar Quarter; In detail: DERC (Peer to Peer Energy Transaction) Guidelines, 2024

Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission (TNERC) releases the draft TNERC (Verification of Captive Status of Generating Plants/Consumers) Regulations, 2024 aimed at streamlining the process to verify if power projects qualify as captive generating projects (CGP). The draft regulations propose that distribution licensees conduct an annual verification after each financial year to assess compliance with ownership and consumption criteria per the Electricity Rules, 2005. Source: Mercom; In detail: Draft TNERC (Verification of captive status of generating plants/consumers) regulations, 2024

Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission (TNERC) issues the draft TNERC (Renewable Energy Purchase Obligation) (Amendment) Regulation, 2024. The draft aims to amend the existing 2023 regulation to address recent changes and judicial directives affecting energy purchase costs and obligations. Source: Solar Quarter; In detail: TNERC (Renewable Energy Purchase Obligation) (Amendment) Regulation, 2024

Jharkhand approves a proposal to increase the entitlement of free electricity from 125 units to 200 units per month for domestic consumers. Source: Economic Times; In detail: Cabinet decisions

Nagaland amends the tax rates on petroleum products. The diesel tax rate has been increased from 16.5 percent or $0.126 per litre, whichever is higher, to 17.20 percent or $0.153 per litre, whichever is higher. The petrol & other motor spirit tax rate has been revised from 25 percent or $0.192 per litre, whichever is higher, to 21.75 percent or $0.203 per litre, whichever is higher. Source: India Today; In detail: Government notification

Finance

Nothing critical to report this week.

Industrial Policy & Business Regulations 

Nothing critical to report this week.

Land Acquisition & Labor Regulations 

Karnataka publishes the draft Karnataka Platform Based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Bill 2024 to regulate the social security and welfare of platform-based gig economy workers in the state through the creation of a board, welfare fund, and grievance cell among the mechanisms. Source: Indian Express; In detail: Draft Karnataka Platform Based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Bill 2024

Jammu and Kashmir releases the draft Jammu and Kashmir Grant and Utilisation of Transferable Development Rights Policy 2024 to enhance urban development and make land allotment easier. Source: Kashmir Observer; In detail: Jammu & Kashmir Policy for Grant and Utilization of Transferable Development Rights, 2024

Infrastructure & Governance

Maharashtra presents the State Budget 2024 with a total outlay of ~$78.24 billion. The budget earmarks $1.77 billion for electricity fee waivers for 4.4 million farmers. The government has announced 100 percent tuition fee reimbursement to OBC and economically weaker section girls with income up to $9,593. Additionally, the budget also includes reduction in petrol and diesel prices in specific areas as well as free gas cylinders. Maharashtra is headed into legislative assembly elections in October, 2024. Source: Indian Express; In detail: Maharashtra Budget 2024-25

Jharkhand approves the "Mukhya Mantri Bahan Beti Maiqui Swabalamban Protsahan", scheme aimed at providing financial assistance of ~$12 per month to 4.5 million women in the state. The scheme will cost the state government $660 million annually. Source: The Print; In detail: Cabinet decisions

Water & Sanitation

Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan sign an agreement for the implementation of a $8.63 billion project linking the Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal rivers in Bhopal. The project would provide water to 13 districts in Rajasthan, and Malwa and Chambal regions in Madhya Pradesh. Source: India Today; In detail: Press release

Center - State Relations 

Union Ministry of Mines releases the Scheme for Partial Reimbursement of Exploration Expenses for Holders of Exploration Licences (EL), offering a 50 percent reimbursement on expenses incurred during the exploration of critical minerals, with a maximum cap of $2.4 million. Under the scheme, the licence holders will be required to repay the amount once mineral production begins. Source: Business Standard; In detail: Press release

Any Other

Nothing critical to report this week.

Programs & Projects