States Weekly: October 23, 2024

Newsletter by Akshat Singh

Published October 23, 2024

Big News: Election Commission of India (ECI) announces the dates for the Maharashtra and Jharkhand assembly polls 2024; Jammu and Kashmir legislative assembly passes a unanimous resolution seeking the restoration of statehood; Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir legislative assemblies announce new chief ministers; Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) issues draft guidelines for the Implementation of Rooftop Aero Turbine (RAT) with Solar or without Solar Regulations; and more.

Health 

Nothing critical to report this week

Climate Change & Energy

Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) issues draft guidelines for the Implementation of Rooftop Aero Turbine (RAT) with Solar or without Solar Regulations. RAT is a small-scale wind energy project installed on rooftops to generate electricity by harnessing wind power. The turbines are designed to operate in urban or suburban environments where wind speeds are typically lower and more turbulent than in open areas. Source: Mercom; In detail: Implementation of Rooftop Aero Turbine with Solar or without Solar Regulations, 2024

Meghalaya State Electricity Regulatory Commission releases the draft Rooftop Solar Grid Interactive Systems Based on Net Metering (First Amendment) Regulations, 2015 (1 of 2024) to enhance the existing system of rooftop solar grid interactions based on net metering. The amendments aim to foster smoother integration of renewable energy into the power distribution network, ensuring that consumers and energy providers can better manage electricity generation and consumption. Source: Solar Quarter; In detail: Draft Meghalaya State Electricity Regulatory Commission (Rooftop Solar Grid Interactive Systems Based on Net Metering) (First Amendment) Regulations, 2015 (1 of 2024)

Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited signs a Memorandum of Understanding with the Smart Energy Council of Australia. The agreement aims to enhance cooperation in clean energy, renewables, green hydrogen, battery energy storage systems and other related sectors. Source: New Indian Express; In detail: X/Twitter

Punjab announces new regulations for the sale and use of firecrackers during the festive seasons of Diwali, Gurpurab, Christmas, and New Year's Eve. As per the regulations, only green crackers, which are free from harmful substances like barium, mercury, and lead will be allowed in the state. Furthermore, sales will be restricted to licensed traders. Source: India.com

Finance

Nothing critical to report this week.

Industrial Policy & Business Regulations 

Gujarat announces the Gujarat Textile Policy 2024, offering a host of subsidies and financial incentives to the entrepreneurs wanting to set up units in the state. The policy aims to attract an investment of $ 3.5 billion in the textile sector. Source: Ndtv Profit; In detail: Press Release

Andhra Pradesh issues an order levying a 2% drug control and rehabilitation cess on the landed cost of Indian made foreign liquor, foreign liquor, beer, wine and ready to drink varieties supplied to licensees of shops, bars and in-houses. The decision is aimed at supporting and opening more rehabilitation centres in the state to control substance and liquor abuse. Source: New Indian Express; In detail: AP Drug Control and Rehabilitation Cess notification

Land Acquisition & Labor Regulations 

Uttar Pradesh integrates the state's Property Management Information System (PMIS) with the "Nivesh Mitra" investment support portal with the aim of improving investors' experience and supporting ease of doing business in the state. Source: Times of India

Infrastructure & Governance

Jammu and Kashmir legislative assembly passes a unanimous resolution seeking the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. Source: Indian Express; In detail: Press Release

Jammu and Kashmir legislative assembly elects Omar Abdullah as the chief minister of union territory. Source: India Today; In detail: Press Release

Haryana legislative assembly elects Nayab Singh Saini as the chief minister of the state. Source: NDTV; In detail: Press Release

Delhi announces that the residents of 1,731 unauthorised colonies will not require "no objection certificates" (NOCs) from the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to secure power connections and install electricity meters. This move aims to streamline the process for residents of these colonies, offering relief to those who have faced delays in obtaining electricity connections due to the previous NOC requirement. Source: Financial Express; In detail: CM Announcement

Jharkhand increases the financial assistance given to women from $142 to $356 per annum. Source: The Avenue Mail; In detail: Jharkhand Cabinet Decisions

Puducherry increases the financial assistance for persons with disabilities by $11.8 across all categories from October, 2024. The revised financial aid will benefit over 21,329 recipients across the union territory. Source: New Indian Express; In detail: Grant of Financial Assistance

Telangana issues orders empowering the Hyderabad Disaster Response & Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) to protect public assets within the jurisdiction of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC). These assets include roads, drains, public highways, water bodies, open spaces and public parks owned by either the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) or the state government. Source: Times of India; In detail: Telangana HYDRAA Powers Government Order

Water & Sanitation

Nothing critical to report this week.

Center - State Relations 

Election Commission of India (ECI) announces the dates for the Maharashtra and Jharkhand assembly polls 2024. Maharashtra will go to polls on November 20, while polling will be held in two phases in Jharkhand on November 13 and November 20. The counting of votes will be held on November 23. Source: Hindustan Times; In detail: Election Commission of India Press Release

Union Ministry of Finance issues a notification exempting goods and services tax (GST) on the services related to electricity distribution and transmission provided to the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) consumers. Source: Mathrubhumi; In detail: Ministry of Finance Notification

Any Other

Nothing critical to report this week.

Programs & Projects