Analysis
States Update: February 21, 2018
Posted on
Big News
New Development Bank signs $100 million loan agreement to revive the Indira Gandhi Canal system; Karnataka and West Bengal opt out of the National Health Protection Scheme; Punjab released its outdoor advertisement policy; Tamil Nadu ranks ninth in the world as renewable energy generator; and more.
Center – State relations
The central government has waived inter-state transmission charges and losses on the transmission of electricity generated by solar and wind power projects allowing open access consumers to purchase power at generation cost. Source: Deccan Chronicle
Andhra Pradesh
Nothing critical to report this week
Bihar
Nothing critical to report this week
New Delhi
The second phase of the common mobility card project will allow Delhi metro card holders to use their cards on feeder buses and for parking at 13 metro stations in the national capital region. ** Source:** Hindustan Times
The Delhi government reported that in 2017 the capital region reached its highest energy demand ever crossing 6,500 megawatts (MW), while accounting for the least amount of power cuts. Source: Indian Express
Gujarat
The Gujarat state cabinet has proposed a change in the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) Act to allow committees to engage in large-scale contract farming and to start farm product value-addition industrial units. Source: Times of India
Haryana
The Haryana state cabinet approved enhancing the limit of petty grant a minister can approve to persons-in-need and institutions from $9,300 to $38,745 per year. Source: Zee News
The Haryana state cabinet approved the amendment to Innovative Financing of Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) Projects policy to increase ground coverage in case of commercial use cases up to 60 percent. Source: Zee News
The Haryana government announced closing of the Ambala Municipal Corporation to split in to two municipal councils; Ambala city and Ambala Sadar. Source: United News of India
The Haryana government is implementing $67.4 million project to encourage micro-irrigation and recharge of ground water in 36 over-exploited and critical blocks in 13 districts in the state. Source: United News of India
Karnataka
Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah released the state's budget for 2018-19. A few highlights included development of Bengaluru, increase in excise duty, focus on healthcare, digital initiatives, education, and rail network. Source: NDTV In Detail: Budget Highlights
Karnataka has declined joining the central government's health insurance initiative on account of already having a universal health scheme for its citizens. Source: Economic Times
Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced that farmers will be paid a $3 bonus over the minimum support price on every quintal of wheat they sell to the state government. Source: Business Standard
Maharashtra
The Maharashtra state government issued a resolution to implement "zero pendency, daily disposal," a system of classifying and clearing files and grievances within a stipulated time frame in all government and semi-government offices. Source: Hindustan times
The Maharashtra government has decreased the area that can now be declared as an integrated industrial area from 40 hectares to 20 hectares, among other changes. Source: Livemint
The Maharashtra government will now allow cooperatives of spinning mills and power loom societies to be privatized and for them to change the use of land to use it for other industrial purposes. Source: Livemint In Detail: Maharashtra Textile Policy 2018
At Maharashtra's first investor summit in Mumbai, Reliance Industries and its global partners announced setting up of India's first integrated digital area in Maharashtra with an investment of $9.3 billion. The Virgin Group signed an "intent agreement" with Maharashtra to build a hyperloop transportation system between Mumbai and Pune. Source: Money control
The Maharashtra government has announced a compensation package of $30.9 million for farmers who suffered damage to standing crops due to heavy rains. Source: Economic Times
Rajasthan
The New Development Bank (NDB) signed a $100 million loan agreement to finance the rehabilitation of the Indira Gandhi canal system, to be implemented by the Rajasthan water resources department over six years. Source: India Today In Detail: Press Release
Tamil Nadu
U.S.-based Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) reported Tamil Nadu to be in ninth place, globally, among areas that generate wind and solar power. Source: Times of India In Detail: Press Release , Full Report: Power-Industry Transition, Here and Now
Telangana
The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) raised $30.9 million through sale of municipal bonds. Source: Livemint
Uttar Pradesh
The Uttar Pradesh government presented its annual budget, worth $66.3 billion, with a focus on supporting central government initiatives. Source: Money Control In Detail: Budget 2018-2019 (in Hindi)
West Bengal
Bengal has decided to opt out of the National Health Protection Scheme announced in the Union Budget. Source: Economic Times
The West Bengal government has announced the sale of its securities of 10 year tenure for an aggregate amount $310 million in order to meet its development expenditure. Source: Economic Times
The West Bengal Power Development Corporation Limited (WBPDCL) plans to install 5 MW floating solar plants on its raw water ponds at both the Santhaldih and Sagardighi thermal power plants. Source: PV Tech
Best of the Rest
Punjab
The Punjab cabinet has approved the state's new outdoor advertisement policy, expected to generate $30.9 million in revenue. Source: Money Control In Detail: The Punjab Municipal Outdoor Advertising Policy 2018
Uttarakhand
The Uttarakhand government has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to ensure better forecasts and instant delivery of images post-disaster and to receive forecast alerts 72 hours in advance. Source: Hindustan Times
Jammu and Kashmir
Jammu and Kashmir state assembly passed a bill to amend the Jammu and Kashmir Electricity Act 2010 in order to approve setting up of its State Power Trading Company Ltd. Source: Greater Kashmir