Big News: Bihar allows 35 percent reservation for women in state departments; Punjab approves a policy that aims to optimize government service delivery; Manipur, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu implement reforms prescribed by Ministry of Finance; Kerala unveils budget for 2021; and more.

Industrial Policy & Business Regulations

Gujarat announces its new tourism policy for 2021 to 2025. The policy covers a wide range of areas such as medical tourism, wellness tourism, rural tourism, and more. Source: Times of India; In detail: Press Release

Sikkim passes key bills, including the Sikkim Industries Licensing (Amendment) Bill, 2021. The bill proposes to charge a licensing fee based on the investment size. Source: North East Today; In detail: Chief Minister’s Post

Land Acquisition & Labor Reforms

Nothing critical to report this week

Infrastructure & Governance

Bihar allows 35 percent reservation for women in its state departments. The government also directs the departments to appoint women to leadership positions. Source: Gulf News; In detail: Order (in Hindi)

Punjab approves data policy aimed at providing residents efficient access to services. Source: Punjab News Express; In detail: Press Release

Manipur implements urban local bodies reforms, stipulated by the Ministry of Finance, becoming eligible for additional borrowing limits. Source: Times Now; In detail: Press Release

Kerala implements ease of doing business reforms, stipulated by the Ministry of Finance, becoming eligible for additional borrowing limits. Source: Business World; In detail: Press Release

Tamil Nadu implements public distribution reforms, stipulated by the Ministry of Finance, becoming eligible for additional borrowing limits. Source: Mint; In detail: Press Release

Kerala unveils its budget for 2021. The budget prioritizes job creation and skill development. The budget also includes allocation for affordable internet connectivity for all and a high-speed railway project. Source: Indian Express; In detail: Budget documents

Meghalaya approves its Meghalaya Right to Public Services Rules, 2021. The rules prescribe procedure and forms for filing appeals, duties of designated officers, and composition of the State Public Services Delivery Commission. Source: The Shillong Times

Power & Renewable Energy

Jharkhand sets a levelized tariff of $0.042 per kilowatt hour (kWh) for electricity from decentralized solar and other renewable energy projects built under central government’s PM KUSUM program. Source: Mercom; In detail: Tariff Order

Oil & Gas

Punjab approves levying a special infrastructure development fee on sale of petrol, diesel, and immovable property. Source: NDTV; In detail: Press Release

Water & Sanitation

Nothing critical to report this week

Health

Nothing critical to report this week

Business Negative Reforms

Punjab applies an additional surcharge of $0.01 per kWh to open access consumers. The surcharge is applicable for the period October 1, 2020, to March 31, 2021. Source: The Tribune; In detail: Order

Any Other News

Nothing critical to report this week

Centre – State relations

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy clarifies that only state power distribution companies and not vendors are authorized to implement the rooftop solar scheme. The scheme provides a range of incentives for rooftop installations in the states. Source: Economic Times; In detail: Press Release