Analysis
States Update: December 02, 2020
Posted on
Big News: Gujarat and Odisha relax labor laws; Delhi proposes to include electric cycles in its electric vehicle policy; Uttar Pradesh bans labor strikes in state departments; Tamil Nadu enables online clearances for infrastructure projects; Telangana drafts smart grid regulations; and more.
Industrial Policy & Business Regulations
Punjab notifies guidelines for direct selling and multilevel marketing entities to safeguard consumer rights. Per the norms, a monitoring authority will be created to oversee the implementation of the guidelines within the state. Source: Daily Pioneer; In detail: Press Release
Land Acquisition & Labor Reforms
Gujarat changes the rules of two labor acts through a notification. Per the changes, entrepreneurs are exempted from renewing licence and from getting a temporary certificate of registration. Source: NDTV; In detail: Notification – Inter-State Migrant Workmen Act; Notification – Contract Labor Act
The Odisha assembly approves three bills to increase the threshold of number of workers in industrial units. The bills also allow industries to have women workers work from 7:00 PM to 6:00 AM. Source: New Indian Express
Infrastructure & Governance
Delhi proposes changes to its electric vehicle policy to include battery-operated bicycles. The changes include incentives for electric cycle purchases in the national capital. Source: Indian Express; In detail: Draft Proposal
Tamil Nadu launches Right of Way Portal to allow online clearance of telecommunication and infrastructure projects. Source: Economic Times; In detail: Press Release (In Tamil)
Uttar Pradesh invokes the Essential Services Maintenance Act, prohibiting strikes in all state government departments and corporations for the next six months. Source: The Print
Odisha passes the Essential Services (Maintenance) Amendment Bill, 2020. Per the bill, government employees engaged in delivery of essential services will now face disciplinary action if they participate in labor strikes. Source: Times of India
Power & Renewable Energy
Telangana amends the net metering regulations for grid-connected rooftop solar systems. Per the amendment, the number of electricity units exported by the eligible consumer should be measured in kilowatt hours only. Source: Mercom; In detail: Draft Regulation
Telangana drafts smart grid regulations to enhance the efficiency of its power generation, transmission, and distribution networks. Source: Mercom; In detail: Draft Regulation
Oil & Gas
Nothing critical to report this week
Water & Sanitation
Nothing critical to report this week
Health
Nothing critical to report this week
Business Negative Reforms
Nothing critical to report this week
Any Other News
Nothing critical to report this week
Center – State Relations
The Ministry of Home Affairs issues new Covid-19 guidelines for surveillance, containment, and caution. The order will be effective from December 1, 2020 and will remain in force till the end of December, 2020. Source: Mint; In detail: Notification
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board notifies regulations for a unified tariff structure for over a dozen gas pipelines in the country. Source: Economic Times; In detail: Notification