Newsletter by Aryan D'Rozario

Published March 11, 2026

Big News: Maharashtra approves the Maharashtra Renewable Energy and Energy Storage Policy 2025-2035; Tamil Nadu unveils a Shipbuilding Policy, 2026; Gujarat announces a Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Policy 2026-2031; Punjab approves the Punjab Industrial and Business Development Policy, 2026; Andhra Pradesh announces a Draft Population Management Policy; and more.

Health

Maharashtra announces a Healthcare Infrastructure Roadmap. The 10-year roadmap focuses on expanding hospital facilities and increasing Intensive Care Unit (ICU) capacity.

Source: Digital Health News

Climate Change and Energy

Rajasthan issues a (RERC) draft Framework for Resource Adequacy Regulations, 2026. The regulations, issued by the Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission (RERC) propose a structured mechanism for resource adequacy planning to support future power security in the state.

Source: Mercom

In detail: RERC (Framework for Resource Adequacy) Regulations, 2026

Bihar issues an order determining the generic levelized tariffs for renewable energy projects in the state for the financial year 2025-26. The decision, published by the Bihar Electricity Regulatory Commission (BERC) establishes the tariff framework under provisions of the Electricity Act, 2003, and the Renewable Energy Tariff Regulations, 2025.

Source: Solar Quarter

In detail: Order

Maharashtra issues a draft order proposing a generic tariff of ~$0.031 (INR 2.82)/kWh for surplus electricity. The decision, ordered by the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC), applies to electricity exported from rooftop solar systems under net-metering and net-billing arrangements for the financial year 2026-27.

Source: Mercom

In detail: MERC Order

Karnataka issues (KERC) Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (Roadmap for Reducing Cross-Subsidy and Cross Subsidy Surcharge) Regulations, 2026. The regulations, issued by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) establish a framework to progressively align electricity tariffs with the cost of supply in the state.

Source: Saur Energy

In detail: KERC Roadmap for Reducing Cross Subsidy and Cross Subsidy Surcharge Regulations, 2026

Meghalaya issues draft MSERC (Grid Interactive Distributed Renewable Energy) Regulations, 2026. The draft regulations, issued by the Meghalaya State Electricity Regulatory Commission (MSERC) aim to make it easier for homes, businesses, and industrial units to install renewable energy systems.

Source: Solar Quarter

In detail: Draft Regulation

Haryana proposes the creation of a third power utility, the Haryana Agri-Distribution Company (DISCOM). The focus of the DISCOM would be to ensure uninterrupted electricity to farmers.

Source: Times of India

In detail: CMO Press release

Maharashtra approves the Maharashtra Renewable Energy and Energy Storage Policy 2025-2035. The policy aims to strengthen renewable energy deployment while addressing the challenge of power storage.

Source: Saur Energy

Maharashtra finalizes a benchmark rate of $493 (INR45,450) per kW for rooftop solar installations. The revised pricing, issued by the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company (MSEDCL) is nearly $162 (INR 15,000) lower than the prevailing market rate of $651 (INR 60,000) per kW.

Source: Saur Energy

Karnataka announces the 'Mukhya Mantri Saura Krishi Yojana' (Chief Minister's Solar Agriculture) Scheme. Under this scheme, solar power plants with a capacity of 3,000-megawatt (MW) will be commissioned in Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation (KPTCL) sub-centers under the Renewable Energy Service Company (RESCO) model at an estimated cost of $1.1 billion ($10,500 crore).

Source: Deccan Herald

In detail: Budget Speech 2026-27

Punjab announces a reduction in electricity tariffs across various consumer categories in the state for the financial year 2026-27. The revised tariffs, issued by the Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission (PSERC) come into effect on April 1, 2026.

Source: Indian Express

In detail: Tariff Order

Finance

Nothing critical to report this week.

Industrial Policy and Business Regulations

Tamil Nadu unveils a Shipbuilding Policy, 2026. The five-year policy introduces a capital subsidy and incentive framework, backed by a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to attract global shipyards and position the state as a hub for shipbuilding.

Source: New Indian Express

In detail: Press Release (Tamil)

Gujarat announces a Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Policy 2026-2031. The policy establishes a $108.85 million (INR1000-crore) 'Swadeshi Anusandhan' (Indigenous Research) Fund to accelerate domestic research and reduce import dependence in strategic and frontier sectors including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, quantum technologies, biotechnology, green energy, defence technologies, immersive technologies, and space technologies.

Source: Desh Gujarat

In detail: Science, Technology and Innovation Policy of Gujarat (2026-2031)

Punjab approves the Punjab Industrial and Business Development Policy, 2026. The policy sets a target to attract $8.16 billion (INR Rs 75,000 crore) in investments by offering a mix of fiscal and non-fiscal incentives to companies setting up new industrial units in the state.

Source: New Indian Express

In detail: Policy

Land Acquisition and Labor Regulations

Nothing critical to report this week.

Infrastructure and Governance

Tamil Nadu launches the Tamil Nadu Women Entrepreneur Empowerment Scheme (TWEES). The scheme aims to encourage 100,000 women to take up entrepreneurship and establish businesses in the five years.

Source: Hindu

In detail: Press Release (Tamil)

Madhya Pradesh initiates the 'Saraswati Abhiyan' (Saraswati Mission). The mission, established under the 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' (Save the Daughter, Educate the Daughter) Scheme aims to bring girls who have dropped out of school due to social, familial or economic reasons back into the education system.

Source: Edexlive

Karnataka announces a ban on social media use by children under 16 years of age.

Source: Hindu

Andhra Pradesh announces a ban on social media use by children below 13 years of age. The state announces intentions to bring in regulations within 90 days.

Source: Hindu

Arunachal Pradesh revises its reservation policy for Diploma, PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics), PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) and related programs. Under the amended framework, 20 percent seats earlier reserved for non-Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribe (APST) candidates have been de-reserved and moved to the open quota, while 80 percent will remain reserved for APST candidates.

Source: India Today

Himachal Pradesh mandates the installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in commercial, public, and semi-public buildings as well as real estate projects. The provision has been introduced under the Himachal Pradesh Town and Country Planning (17th Amendment) Rules, 2026.

Source: Entrepreneur India

In detail: Press release

Himachal Pradesh approves amendments to its Social Security Pension Rules, 2010. The rules re-define the term "destitute" in a clearer manner and simplifies the certification process for availing benefits.

Source: Tribune India

In detail: Cabinet Decision

Himachal Pradesh approves a Operation and Maintenance Policy. The policy manages the process of handing over in-village infrastructure of both Single Village Schemes and Multi Village Schemes to 'Gram Panchayats' (Village Councils).

Source: Tribune India

In detail: Cabinet Decision

Water and Sanitation

Nothing critical to report this week.

Center - State Relations

Nothing critical to report this week.

Any Other

Andhra Pradesh announces a Draft Population Management Policy. The policy encourages couples to bear more children and includes a plan to pay $272 (INR 25,000) to couples that give birth to their third child, among other benefits.

Source: Times of India

In detail: Press Release

Maharashtra approves a draft Anti-Conversion Bill. The bill makes it mandatory for a person to give a 60-day notice and seek permission before a designated authority before converting to another religion.

Source: Udayavani

In detail: Press Release

Programs & Projects