States Weekly: November 20, 2024

Newsletter - November 20, 2024

Big News: Union Ministry of Home Affairs reimposes the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in Manipur's six police station areas; Telangana announces 100 percent road tax and registration fee exemption for electric vehicles (EV); Chhattisgarh launches the Industrial Policy 2024-30; Assam Electricity Regulatory Commission (AERC) introduces the draft Electricity Grid Code Regulations, 2024; and more.

Health 

Assam introduces Mobile Medical Units (MMUs) equipped with essential medical facilities in the state. This initiative aims to bridge the gap in healthcare services for tea garden workers and their families, who often face challenges accessing conventional healthcare centers due to their isolation. Source: India Today; In detail: Mobile Medical Units scheme

Climate Change & Energy

Telangana announces 100 percent road tax and registration fee exemption for electric vehicles (EV) purchased and registered in the state for the initial period of two years up to December 31, 2026. Source: Economic Times; In detail: Government Order

Assam Electricity Regulatory Commission (AERC) introduces the draft Electricity Grid Code Regulations, 2024, aimed at refining the framework of the state's electricity grid operations. These regulations outline guidelines for various entities involved in the state's power system, including transmission utilities, distribution licensees, generating stations, and other participants. Source: Solar Quarter; In detail: Draft Electricity Grid Code Regulations, 2024

Finance

Nothing critical to report this week

Industrial Policy & Business Regulations 

Bihar announces the establishment of an Integrated Manufacturing Cluster in Gaya. The cluster will be jointly developed by the Bihar Industrial Area Development Authority (BIADA), and the National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC). The cluster node will come under the Amritsar Kolkata Industrial Corridor (AKIC). Source: Economic Times; In detail: Press release

Tamil Nadu amends the Tamil Nadu Combined Development and Building Rules (TNCDBR) to remove height restriction for high-rise buildings constructed on roads that have a minimum width of 30 metres on a plot size of 4,000 square metres and above, subject to clearance by the Airport Authority of India. The amendment is aimed at stimulating industrial growth in the state. Source: New Indian Express

Chhattisgarh launches the state's new Industrial Policy 2024-30 aimed at driving economic growth, generating employment and fostering sustainable industrial development. The policy includes specific exemptions earmarked for women entrepreneurs, surrendered Maoists, members of the third gender, Agniveer soldiers, retired ex-servicemen and entrepreneurs from scheduled castes and scheduled tribes. Source: New Indian Express; In detail: Industrial Policy 2024-30 (in Hindi)

Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) launches an online e-governance platform-OPEN-which enables industrial units to apply for and obtain regulatory approvals and ensure compliance. The platform has been rolled out for just four industrial estates and is expected to be introduced in all industrial estates by December. Source: Times of India; In detail: GIDC Circular

Land Acquisition & Labor Regulations 

Nothing critical to report this week.

Infrastructure & Governance

Bihar approves the Bihar Social Media and Other Online Media Policy, 2024 to ensure effective publicization of government policies and public welfare programmes. The regulation also creates a framework for advertising on international platforms. Source: Times of India; In detail: Cabinet decisions (In Hindi)

Haryana implements sub-classification within the scheduled castes (SC) for reservation in government jobs. Source: Indian Express; In detail: Government Order

Haryana introduces the Policy for Planned Development of Retirement Housing to facilitate organised and secure housing projects for senior citizens in the state. Source: Times of India; In detail: Policy for Planned Development of Retirement Housing

Himachal Pradesh expands the "Mukhyamantri Sukhashrya Yojana" to include abandoned and surrendered children to improve social welfare in the state. The scheme already benefits nearly 6,000 orphaned children and will now extend its support to children abandoned by their parents or surrendered due to physical, emotional, or social challenges. Source: The News Himachal; In detail: "Mukhyamantri Sukhashrya Yojana" Standard Operating Procedure

Water & Sanitation

Odisha approves the extension of the Water Sector Infrastructure Development Programme(WSIDP)Scheme with an estimated cost of $1.14 billion for a period of 5 years from 2024-29. The scheme aims to expedite the construction on any ongoing irrigation project in the state. Source: Pragativadi

Center - State Relations 

Union Cabinet approves fire services expansion and modernization projects worth $85.86 million for three states-Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and West Bengal. The funds will be distributed under the Expansion and Modernisation of Fire Services Initiative, that is part of the Ministry of Home Affairs' ongoing efforts to improve disaster resilience. Source: Construction World; In detail: Press release

Union Ministry of Home Affairs reimposes the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in Manipur's six police station areas. Source: Economic Times; In detail: Notification

Any Other

Nothing critical to report this week.