States Update: December 02, 2020

By Neelima Jain
Posted on December 2, 2020

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