States Weekly: September 25, 2024

Newsletter by Akshat Singh

Published September 25, 2024

Big News: Delhi forms a new government with Atishi Marlena as the Chief Minister; Jammu and Kashmir finish the first and second phases of the state legislative assembly elections; Assam Electricity Regulatory Commission (AERC) releases new draft guidelines for the Group Net Metering and Virtual Net Metering Policy 2024; Telangana releases the Telangana MSME Policy 2024; and more.

Health 

Nothing critical to report this week.

Climate Change & Energy

Assam Electricity Regulatory Commission (AERC) releases new draft guidelines for the Group Net Metering and Virtual Net Metering Policy 2024. The guidelines are aimed at encouraging the use of renewable energy sources and ensuring a smooth process for consumers and producers. Source: Solar Quarter; In detail: Draft guidelines

Himachal Pradesh revises its power subsidy structure for both domestic and industrial consumers. As per the revision, the state will discontinue the $0.011 subsidy for industrial power consumers and introduce new tariffs for households consuming more than 300 units of electricity per month, effective October 1. Source: Himachal scape

Uttarakhand announces a 50 percent subsidy on electricity bills for consumers using up to 100 units per month, and up to 200 units in high Himalayan regions. Source: Economic Times

Finance

Nothing critical to report this week

Industrial Policy & Business Regulations 

Telangana releases the Telangana MSME Policy 2024 dedicated to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME). The policy outlines an action plan to address key challenges limiting MSME growth in the state including land, finance, raw material, skilled labour, market access and technology. Source: The Hindu; In detail: Telangana MSME Policy 2024

Bihar announces the Tourism, Branding and Marketing Policy, 2024 to promote the tourism industry in the state, and attract tourism related investments. Source: Economic Times; In detail: Tourism, Branding and Marketing Policy-2024

Land Acquisition & Labor Regulations 

Nothing critical to report this week

Infrastructure & Governance

Delhi forms a new government with Atishi Marlena officially taking charge as the eighth Chief Minister of the state. Source: NDTV; In detail: Swearing-in ceremony

Jammu and Kashmir conducts the first and second phases of the state legislative assembly elections. The first phase saw a 61.38 percent voter turnout. Source: Economic Times; In detail: Election Commission of India

Andhra Pradesh approves the State Excise Policy 2024. The policy aims to improve management efficiency by introducing a private retail system for liquor sales. Source: India Today

Assam introduces the "Orunodoi 3.0" scheme aimed to benefit women from economically disadvantaged families. As per the scheme, the government will provide monthly financial assistance of $15 to 3.7 million women by early 2025. Source: East Mojo

Nagaland issues new guidelines for the issuance of the Indigenous Inhabitant Certificates (IIC) aimed at safeguarding the rights of the indigenous people in the state. The guidelines streamline the registration process and ensure that eligible citizens of recognized tribes receive the certificate. Source: India Today; In detail: Notification

Odisha launches the "Subhadra" scheme aimed at supporting women from disadvantaged families. As per the scheme, eligible beneficiaries aged between 21 and 60 years will receive a total of $598.9 over a five-year period between 2024-2029. Source: Financial Express; In detail: Subhadra scheme guidelines

Punjab announces the draft Agriculture Policy2024. The policy recommends a ban on all long-duration paddy varieties and paddy cultivation in 15 blocks with 3 times more water extraction than recharge rate. The policy also provides a roadmap to reduce the power subsidy by 30-35 percent by implementing micro-irrigation systems in a phased manner; solarising agricultural pump sets and using canal water for irrigation, rather than groundwater extraction. Source: Tribune

Water & Sanitation

Himachal Pradesh announces its decision to discontinue free water supply in rural areas, and introduces a minimum monthly bill of $1.2. Source: The News Himachal

Center - State Relations 

Nothing critical to report this week.

Any Other

Nothing critical to report this week.

Programs & Projects