States Weekly: March 4, 2026

Newsletter by Aryan D'Rozario

Published March 4, 2026

Big News: Bihar passes the Bihar Micro Finance Institutions (Regulation of Money Lending and Prevention of Coercive Action) Bill, 2026; Rajasthan approves the Rajasthan Industrial Park Incentive Policy 2026; Andhra Pradesh passes the Andhra Pradesh Assigned Lands (Prohibition of Transfers) (Amendment) Bill, 2026; Andhra Pradesh approves the Andhra Pradesh Sick and Stressed MSME Revival Policy (4.0) 2026-31; The Union government approves the proposal to change the name of Kerala to Keralam; and more.

Health

Delhi announces an expansion in the eligibility criteria for the 'Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana' (Prime Minister's Public Health Scheme). Widows with pensions and persons with disabilities receiving government pensions are now eligible for treatment under the program.

Source: India.com

Karnataka announces a State Action Plan for Rabies Elimination (SAPRE) and a State Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming (SAPSE). Under SAPRE, free Anti-Rabies Vaccine (ARV) and Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG) will be provided at all primary health centers, community health centers, and hospitals.

Source: Deccan Herald

Karnataka launches the 'Kusuma Sanjeevini' (Life-Giving Flower) Program. Under the program, patients suffering from hemophilia will be provided treatment at no cost.

Source: NDTV

Uttarakhand declares Leprosy a Notifiable Disease. Under the rules, all diagnosed cases of Leprosy must be reported to District Leprosy Officers.

Source: Times of India

Climate Change and Energy

Telangana issues the (TGERC)Framework for Resource Adequacy Regulation, 2026. The regulations issued by the Telangana Electricity Regulatory Commission (TGERC) aim to strengthen power planning and ensure a reliable electricity supply. It applies to all key stakeholders, including generating companies, transmission utilities, the State Load Dispatch Center (SLDC), and distribution companies (DISCOMs).

Source: Solar Quarter

In detail: Telangana Electricity Regulatory Commission (Framework for Resource Adequacy) Regulation, 2026

Tripura issues a (TERC)Third Amendment to the Tripura Electricity Regulatory Commission (Electricity Supply Code) Regulations, 2011. The amended regulations issued by the Tripura Electricity Regulatory Commission (TERC) aim to incorporate the Union government's "Ease of Living" directives for consumers.

Source: Mercom

In detail: TERC (Electricity Supply Code) Regulations, 2011 (Third Amendment), 2025

Finance

Bihar passes the Bihar Micro Finance Institutions (Regulation of Money Lending and Prevention of Coercive Action) Bill, 2026. The bill introduces new regulations for the regional micro-lending sector. The legislation specifically targets individuals, partnership firms, companies, societies, and trusts that are actively involved in providing micro-loans or small loans within the state.

Source: NDTV

In detail: The BMFI (Reg. of Money Lending & Prevention of Coercive Actions) Bill, 2026

Industrial Policy and Business Regulations

Rajasthan approves the Rajasthan Industrial Park Incentive Policy 2026. The policy aims to integrate private developers to expand industrial infrastructure, promote private investment, and generate large-scale employment across the state.

Source: Times of India

Punjab extends the One-Time Settlement (OTS) Scheme until June 30, 2026. The scheme allows industry and taxpayers to settle their dues from 2025 without incurring additional penalties.

Source: Babushahi

Punjab approves a new Excise Policy, 2026-27. The new policy permits malt manufacturing (single malt) units in Punjab, enabling both distilling and bottling within the state.

Source: Babushahi

In detail: Excise Policy for FY 2026-27

Land Acquisition and Labor Regulations

Nothing critical to report this week.

Infrastructure and Governance

Andhra Pradesh passes the Andhra Pradesh Assigned Lands (Prohibition of Transfers) (Amendment) Bill, 2026. The bill enables the government to consider acquiring assigned lands on a long-term lease basis for setting up renewable energy projects under the A.P. Integrated Clean Energy Policy 2024.

Source: Deccan Chronicle

Andhra Pradesh establishes a new Science, Technology and Innovation Department. The aim of the department is to focus on innovation to drive economic growth.

Source: New Indian Express

Andhra Pradesh approves the Andhra Pradesh Sick and Stressed Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Revival Policy (4.0) 2026-31. The policy aims to revitalize distressed MSME units and promote entrepreneurship through subsidies on loan interest, power costs, and technology upgrades.

Source: New Indian Express

Andhra Pradesh releases draft Andhra Pradesh Coaching Institutions (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2026. The rules propose changes to how private coaching centers function in the state, including restrictions on operating times and mandatory mental health screenings.

Source: Indian Express

In detail: Draft Andhra Pradesh Coaching Institutions (Regulation & Control) Rules, 2026

Bihar passes the Bihar Jan Vishwas (Provision Amendment) Bill, 2026. The bill aims to create a business-friendly environment by amending stringent laws and provisions.

Source: Times of India

In detail: Bihar Jan Vishwas (Provision Amendment) Bill, 2026 (in Hindi)

Telangana approves an accident insurance scheme and a cashless health insurance scheme for all government employees and pensioners in the state. Treatment will be completely cashless in all government hospitals and 652 empaneled private hospitals. This will cover 1,998 medical procedures.

Source: News Minute

Assam launches the Chief Minister's 'Jibon Prerana' (Life Inspiration) Scheme. The scheme provides monthly financial assistance of $27.43 (INR 2,500) for 12 months to 48,319 fresh graduates to support their career progression and transition into employment or higher studies.

Source: NE Today

Assam launches the Chief Minister's 'Jibon Anuprerana' (Life Encouragement) Scheme. The scheme will provide a one-time financial stipend ranging from $274.34 to $440 (INR 25,000 to 40,000) to 2,112 research scholars with the aim of encouraging research, innovation, and academic advancement.

Source: NE Today

Kerala launches the Assured Pension Scheme (APS) for its government employees with effect from April 1, 2026. With the new scheme, state government employees, existing and new, can join either the National Pension System (NPS) or the Assured Pension Scheme.

Source: Economic Times

In detail: Kerala Finance Department - Notification

Meghalaya passes the Meghalaya Prison and Correctional Services Bill, 2026. It provides a framework to ensure that transgender prisoners are provided adequate protections and given access to essential services tailored to their needs.

Source: Pratidin

Mizoram amends the Mizo Marriage, Divorce and Inheritance of Property Act, 2014. The legislation includes a formal ban on polygamy and bigamy.

Source: India Today

In detail: Mizo Marriage and Inheritance of Property (Amendment) Act, 2026

Water and Sanitation

Nothing critical to report this week.

Center - State Relations

The Union government approves the proposal to change the name of Kerala to Keralam. The President of India will now refer a Bill, namely the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 to the Legislative Assembly of Kerala for its review before it is presented to the Indian parliament.

Source: News on AIR

In detail: Press release

Any Other

Himachal Pradesh launches a Vintage Vehicle Policy. Vehicles registered before 1975 will be categorized as vintage, exempting them from age-related scrapping policies.

Source: Devdiscourse

Programs & Projects