Big News: Center introduces a $6.6 billion employment scheme for migrants; Andhra Pradesh passes a $29.4 billion state budget; Haryana and Rajasthan plan tap water connections for households; Uttar Pradesh sets up commission to ensure social security for migrant workers; and more.

Center – State relations

The government has introduced a $6.6 billion public work scheme for migrant workers. The scheme is expected to provide work for 125 days in 116 districts of six states – Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and Jharkhand. Source: Business Standard In detail: Press Release

India’s first gas exchange has been commenced. The exchange is expected to facilitate transparent price discovery in natural gas and facilitate the growth natural gas share in India’s energy basket. Source: Indian Express In detail: Press Release

The government launches auction of 41 coal mines with total geological coal reserve of 17 billion tons for commercial mining. Source: Economic Times In detail: Press Release

Andhra Pradesh

The Andhra Pradesh government has announced a $29.4 billion budget for 2020-21 with a revenue deficit of $2.4 billion. The budget includes implementation of free crop insurance scheme and interest free loans. Source: Hindustan Times In detail: Budget Speech

Bihar

Nothing critical to report this week

New Delhi

Nothing critical to report this week

Gujarat

The Gujarat government has announced a $0.02 per liter hike in petrol and diesel prices each. The new rates will be made effective from June 15. Source: Business Standard In detail: Notification (No: N-GHN-52-2020-VAT)

Haryana

The central government allocated $38 million for Haryana for the implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in the financial year (FY) 2020-21. The JJM is a central government scheme that aims to provide piped drinking water to all rural households in the country by 2024. Source: The Tribune

Karnataka

Nothing critical to report this week

Madhya Pradesh

Nothing critical to report this week

Maharashtra

Nothing critical to report this week

Rajasthan

The central government allocates $331 million for Rajasthan for providing tap-water connections to 3.5 million households in FY 2020-2. Separately, $150.3 million have been allocated to provide drinking water to fluoride-affected habitations in the desert state. Source: Outlook India

Tamil Nadu

Nothing critical to report this week

Telangana

Nothing critical to report this week

Uttar Pradesh

The state government has set up the Uttar Pradesh Labor Commission to ensure social and economic security for migrant workers. The Commission will act as a link between the industry and workers to ensure that the latter can be gainfully employed. Source: Mint In detail: Press Release (in Hindi)

West Bengal

Nothing critical to report this week

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Assam

The Assam government has extended by six months the tenure of Essential Services Maintenance (Assam) Act imposed on the state’s oil and gas sector, thus prohibiting strikes by employees. Source: Energy Infra Post

Jharkhand

The state cabinet has approved a revision in the Value Added Tax (VAT) on petrol and diesel. The VAT has been raised per liter of diesel and petrol by $0.01 and $0.02, respectively. Source: Economic Times In detail: Cabinet Decision

Kerala

The Kerala government has offered up to 50 percent subsidy on electricity bills generated during the lockdown period. Free electricity has been announced for those with a connected load of less than 500 watts, regardless of the amount of electricity used. Source: Economic Times In detail: Press Note (In Malayalam)

Uttarakhand

The Uttarakhand government has sanctioned $14.4 million to all district magistrates to provide self-employment opportunities to migrant workers who have returned to the state. Source: Hindustan Times In detail: Press Note (date: 15 June; In Hindi)