Big News: Odisha approves the Odisha MSME Development Policy 2022; Karnataka approves the Karnataka Special Investment Region Bill 2022 to attract large investments; Maharashtra passes the Maharashtra Lokayukta Bill 2022; Delhi releases the Draft NDMC Solar Policy 2022; and more.

Industrial Policy & Business Regulations

Odisha government approves the Odisha MSME Development Policy 2022, which extends Capital Investment Subsidy (CIS) to new and existing MSEs, that are expanding, modernizing, and diversifying (E/M/D) their business by making at least 25 percent of their capital investment in plant and machinery.

Source: Financial Express; In detail: Odisha MSME Development Policy 2022

Tamil Nadu government introduces funds earmarked for green tech, rural impact, and women-led start-ups in the state, under the Tamil Nadu Startup Seed Grant Fund (TANSEED).

Source: Business Standard; In detail: Press release (In Tamil)

Land Acquisition & Labor Regulations

Karnataka assembly passes the Karnataka Special Investment Region (KSIR) Bill 2022, formulated on the basis of the Electronics City Industrial Township Authority (ELCITA) model, aimed at providing special incentives for new industrial ventures exceeding an area of 2,500 sq. km.

Source: Times of India; In detail: Karnataka Special Investment Region Bill 2022

Karnataka Legislative Council adopts the Karnataka Land Revenue (Second Amendment) Bill, 2022, which seeks to simplify land conversion in the state.

Source: The Hindu; In detail: Karnataka Land Revenue (Second Amendment) Bill, 2022

West Bengal Finance Department extends 2 percent stamp duty reduction and a 10 percent rebate on property circle rates in the state until March 31, 2023.

Source: Money Control; In detail: Government of West Bengal Notification

Infrastructure & Governance

Maharashtra assembly passes the Maharashtra Lokayukta Bill 2022, which brings the chief minister and council of ministers under the ambit of the anti-corruption ombudsman.

Source: The Indian Express; In detail: Maharashtra Lokayukta Act, 2022

Climate Change

Nothing Critical to report this week.

Oil & Gas

Nothing Critical to report this week.

Water & Sanitation

Nothing Critical to report this week.

Power & Renewable Energy

Delhi government seeks comments on new Draft NDMC Solar Policy 2022, which outlines 6,000 MW total installed solar capacity target by 2025 aiming to meet 25 percent of the annual electricity demand using solar power by then, up from the existing 9 percent.

Source: Business Standard; In detail: Draft NDMC Solar Policy 2022

Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission (HERC) amends its renewable purchase obligation (RPO) policy to include wind energy in the RPO and move solar energy into the ‘other RPO’ category. The changes are in line with the regulation issued by the Ministry of Power (MoP).

Source: Mercom; In detail: HERC Order

Tripura government in partnership with the Government of India signs a $220 million agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to strengthen and improve power distribution efficiency in the state.

Source: Outlook; In detail: Press release

Health

Nothing Critical to report this week.

Center– State Relations

Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) announces penalties including heavy fine and complete closures for industries using unapproved fuels, including coal, in Delhi-NCR from January 1, 2023.

Source: Economic Times; In detail: Press release

Any Other

Nothing Critical to report this week.