Big News: Center announces extension of lockdown until May 3; Government lifts export curbs on 24 pharma ingredients; States/UTs provided greater space in availing over-draft facilities; Maharashtra will no longer set generic energy tariffs for renewable projects; Punjab and Madhya Pradesh reduce current late payment surcharge for electricity distribution companies; and more.

Center – State relations

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address to the nation announced extension of lockdown until May 3. Further, Prime Minister Modi suggested ease of certain restrictions in low risk areas from April 20. Source: Press Release In detail: Prime Minister’s Address

The Reserve Bank of India permits greater space to States/Union Territories for availing over-draft facilities to help the states tide over cash flow issues. Source: Economic Times In detail: Press release

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy extends the deadlines for the approved list of models and manufacturers by 6 months. Source: Saur Energy In detail: Notification

The government lifts restrictions on the export of 24 pharmaceutical ingredients and medicines made from them. Source: Mint In detail: Notification

The Coal India Limited extends the Letter of Credit facility to non-power users. This move is expected to spur liquidity in the market. Source: Business Line In detail: Press Release

Andhra Pradesh

The Andhra Pradesh government will release $632.8 million pending incentives to industries. Source: The Hindu Business Line

Bihar

Nothing critical to report this week.

New Delhi

Nothing critical to report this week.

Gujarat

The Gujarat government permits fishing industry to function during the lockdown. Source: Indian Express In detail: Press Release

Haryana

Nothing critical to report this week.

Karnataka

Nothing critical to report this week.

Madhya Pradesh

The Madhya Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission has reduced the rate of current late payment surcharge for the electricity distribution companies in the state. Source: Mercom India In detail: MPERC Order

Maharashtra

In its Generic Renewable Energy Tariff order for FY 2020-21, the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) has declared that energy tariffs for renewable projects will be determined only through a transparent process of competitive bidding. Source: Mercom In detail: Tariff Order (Order-77 of 2020)

Rajasthan

Nothing critical to report this week.

Tamil Nadu

Nothing critical to report this week.

Telangana

Nothing critical to report this week.

Uttar Pradesh

Nothing critical to report this week.

West Bengal

Nothing critical to report this week.

Best of the Rest

Puducherry

The Puducherry government has increased VAT on petrol and diesel by one percent. Source: New Indian Express

Punjab

The Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission has provisionally reduced the rate of late payment surcharge to 6 percent per annum. Source: Times of India In detail: Notice

Punjab will start harvesting wheat from next week, marking the launch of the first major economic activity after the three-week lockdown. Source: Economic Times In detail: Press release