States Weekly: February 18, 2026

Newsletter by Aryan D'Rozario

Published February 18, 2026

Big News: Haryana announces a block-level mental health scheme aimed at improving access to both mental and physical healthcare services across urban and rural areas of the state; Kerala announces a Graphene Policy; Maharashtra approves a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Policy; Himachal Pradesh implements a State Data Hosting Policy; Kerala announces a draft Urban Policy; and more.

Health

Haryana amends the Haryana Epidemic Diseases (Malaria, Dengue, Chikungunya & Japanese Encephalitis) Regulations, 2024. Under the amended rules, all hospitals, clinics, and laboratories are now required to report every confirmed case of a vector-borne disease within 24 hours of detection. The regulations have come into immediate effect and will remain in force until March 31, 2027.

Source: Punjab News line

Haryana approves a policy for setting up nursing homes in neighborhoods with licensed residential plots. The aim of this policy is to overcome the existing healthcare gap in residential areas and ensure that residents have access to essential medical services near their homes.

Source: Babushahi

In detail: Government notification

Haryana announces a block-level mental health scheme aimed at improving access to both mental and physical healthcare services across urban and rural areas of the state. The initiative aims to decentralize mental health support into the existing primary healthcare architecture.

Source: VOH

In detail: Press release

Himachal Pradesh extends 26 weeks of maternity leave to female Home Guard volunteers.

Source: News Arena India

In detail: Cabinet decisions

Climate Change and Energy

Nothing critical to report this week.

Finance

Nothing critical to report this week.

Industrial Policy and Business Regulations

Uttar Pradesh announces a three-year Excise Export Policy (2026-29) and the Excise Policy (2026-27). The policy announces a renewal of retail licenses to ensure stability and continuity. License fees are now linked to volumes, and distilleries have been permitted to open their own wholesale warehouses.

Source: Spiritz

In detail: Excise Export Policy 2026-29, Excise Policy 2026-27

Kerala announces a Graphene Policy. The policy aims to transform the state into a major hub for research into and the production of graphene, a carbon-based advanced material.

Source: Mathrubhumi

Tamil Nadu introduces a one-time scheme to regulate excess and illegal quarrying, effective retrospectively from April 6, 2015. This scheme involves levying penalties for quarrying beyond leasehold limits and in non-leasehold areas.

Source: Times of India

Land Acquisition and Labor Regulations

Karnataka revises the Floor Area Ratio (FAR) norms applicable to industrial plots. Until the revision, only 65 percent of the land on industrial plots could be utilized for industrial construction. This has now increased to 75 percent.

Source: The Print

Maharashtra abolishes the requirement of obtaining separate Non-Agricultural (NA) permission while converting agricultural land for non-agricultural use. The approval of a building plan by the Town Planning Department or the local planning authority will now be deemed as "NA" permission, eliminating the need to obtain separate approval from the District Collector.

Source: Hindustan Times

In detail: Government resolution

Maharashtra approves a Land Acquisition and Allotment Policy for the "Third Mumbai Project." The policy will cover all development projects to be implemented by the Navnagar Development Authority in the Mumbai Trans Harbor Link area.

Source: Times of India

Infrastructure and Governance

Delhi announces 'Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana' (Wealthy Daughter Scheme). Under the scheme, daughters from poorer backgrounds in Delhi will receive total assistance of $616 (INR 56,000) in instalments, starting from birth and continuing until the completion of their studies.

Source: News on AIR

Haryana raises monthly old-age pensions. The pension increases from $33.12 (INR 3000) to $35.33 (INR 3,200) per month. The revised rates will be effective from November 1, 2025, and the enhanced amount will be disbursed from February 2026.

Source: Times of India

In detail: Press release

Madhya Pradesh approves the Madhya Pradesh Civil Service (Pension) Rules, 2026, and the Madhya Pradesh Civil Service (Commutation of Pension) Rules, 2026. Under Rule 44 of the Pension Rules, unmarried, widowed, and divorced daughters have been included among eligible family beneficiaries.

Source: The News Mill

In detail: Cabinet decisions

Maharashtra approves a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Policy. Under the policy, projects worth more than $2.76 million (INR 25 crore) will have to be cleared by the Cabinet Sub-Committee for Infrastructure headed by the Chief Minister. Projects which cost less than $2.76 million (INR 25 crore) will be approved by a committee headed by the Chief Secretary.

Source: Times of India

Telangana reorganizes the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) into three separate municipal corporations.

Source: New India Express

In detail: Reorganization of Core Urban Region - GO (1)and (2)

Goa approves the Goa State Cooperative Policy, 2026. The policy aims to strengthen the cooperative sector, which plays a significant role in agriculture, credit, housing, fisheries, and dairy.

Source: Times of India

Goa approves up to one year of paid medical leave to regular teachers in government and government-aided schools diagnosed with terminal illnesses. The order, issued under the Goa, Daman and Diu School Education Act, 1984 requires that teachers submit a medical certificate from Goa Medical College, Bambolim, along with other proper documentation.

Source: India Today

In detail: Goa Leave Order (1)and (2)

Himachal Pradesh implements a State Data Hosting Policy. The policy, which incorporates 200 online services for residents of the state, aims to enhance service delivery and improve public satisfaction.

Source: The News Mill

Himachal Pradesh approves the Toll Tax Barrier Policy 2026-27. Under the policy, toll barriers will be allotted to bidders quoting above the fixed base price; a move aimed at maximizing returns for the state.

Source: News Arena India

In detail: Cabinet decisions

Himachal Pradesh approves the Excise Policy 2026-27. The new policy requires that liquor vendors be allotted through an e-auction process.

Source: News Arena India

In detail: Cabinet decisions

Kerala announces a draft Urban Policy. The policy aims to develop Kerala by 2050 as a continuous network of climate-smart cities and towns, ensuring scientific planning and good governance.

Source: Onmanorama

Kerala approves the Kerala State Policy for Senior Citizens (2026). The policy seeks to build an elderly-friendly society where no senior citizens are left isolated or neglected.

Source: Deshabhimani

In detail: Press release

Kerala approves a Women's Policy, 2026. The policy prioritizes women's safety, labor rights, legal protections, and support for tribal and coastal communities.

Source: Madhyamam

In detail: Cabinet decisions

Puducherry passes the Puducherry Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025. Through the bill, 47 provisions relating to minor, technical, and procedural defaults are being amended with the aim of becoming more citizen friendly.

Source: The Hindu

Water and Sanitation

Nothing critical to report this week.

Center - State Relations

Nothing critical to report this week.

Any Other

Nagaland approves the Nagaland News Media Accreditation (Revised) Rules, 2025. The rules significantly expand the scope of media accreditation in the state to include television channels, electronic media, digital media platforms, as well as freelancers.

Source: East Mojo

In detail: Press release

Programs & Projects