By
Posted on

Big News: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah takes oath; Haryana reduces barriers to developing industrial hubs; Andhra Pradesh relaxes restrictions on farm sales; Telangana makes 132,000 acres land available for real estate development; Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission approves the tariff of $0.03/kWh for long term procurement for 500 MW solar power projects; Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission approves an increase of 8.64% in power tariffs; and more.

Industrial Policy & Business Regulations  

Assam grants approval for the inclusion of a third category of benefits within the Assam Microfinance Incentive and Relief Scheme (AMFIRS), 2021. The third category aims to provide assistance to microfinance borrowers whose accounts have been classified as Non-Performing Assets (NPAs), and have an outstanding principal amount of up to 25,000 as of March 31, 2021.

Source: Economic Times; In detail: CM’s Twitter

Land Acquisition & Labor Regulations  

Andhra Pradesh denotifies 200,000 acres of dotted lands from a prohibited list, thereby restoring full rights to farmers that own them. Benefitting over 97,000 farmers, the notification is aimed at allowing them to sell and pledge these lands, and enjoy other rights as land owners.

Source: Indian Express; In detail: CM Announcement (Youtube)

Haryana amends the policy for licensing industrial colonies and parks by restructuring zoning laws. The minimum area for sanctioned parks has been reduced from 50 to 25 acres, and an additional slab of 100 acres as opposed to the previous one of 200 acres has been announced.

Source: Times of India

Telangana withdraws GO No. 111 fully with the objective of making 132,000 acres of land in 84 villages available for real-estate development. GO No. 111 was implemented 27 years ago to protect two water bodies— Himayatsagar and Gandipet.

Source: One India (Hindi): Hindu Business Line; In detail: GO 111 Termination (Video)

Madhya Pradesh approves the Mukhyamantri Sikho Kamao Yojana. Under the scheme, unemployed youths between 18-29 years of age, who have either graduated from school or have gained a bachelor’s, master’s, or technical degree will be provided a stipend of INR 8000-10000 (~$97-$120) for learning new skills.

Source: The Print; In detail: Press Release

Infrastructure & Governance  

Karnataka Indian National Congress veteran Siddaramaiah takes oath as the new chief minister of Karnataka for the second term. DK Shivakumar takes oath as the deputy chief minister, and eight MLAs, take oath as ministers.

Source: Economic Times; In detail: Karnataka CM Oath Ceremony (Video)

Rajasthan approves a proposal for developing Geographic Information System (GIS) based 3D models of Jodhpur, Udaipur, Kota and Ajmer with the objective of using the 3D models for better planning and urban development of the cities.

Source: Economic Times; In detail: Press Release

Oil & Gas  

Nothing critical to report this week.  

Water & Sanitation  

Nothing critical to report this week.  

Power & Renewable Energy  

Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) approves the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company’s (MSEDCL) proposal to procure 150 MW of solar power at ~$0.040/kWh from projects under the Mukhyamantri Saur Krishi Vahini Yojana (MSKVY). The Commission has also allowed the solar power procured from these projects to count towards meeting MSEDCL’s solar Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPO).

Source: Mercom; In detail: Tariff order

Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) approves the tariff of $0.03/kWh for the long-term procurement of 500 MW solar power from projects developed within the state. The move is aimed at enabling MSEDCL to fulfil its renewable purchase obligation (RPO) targets.

Source: Solar Quarter; In detail: Tariff order

Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission approves an increase of 8.64% in power tariffs. On average, the prices have been revised by 25-80 paise for different consumers. 

Source: Tribune India; In details: Revised Tariff Order

Jammu and Kashmir Energy Development Agency (JAKEDA) launches a new scheme under which consumers can reduce their electricity bills and bank their surplus energy if they install solar power plants in their homes. The scheme aims to cover 10,000 households in the state.

Source: Economic Times; In detail: Launch Video

Climate Change

Nothing critical to report this week.  

Health   

Himachal Pradesh introduces the Himcare Scheme for jail inmates, with the objective of providing them with access to high-quality healthcare. The initiative aims to cover the cost of premiums for inmates, easing their financial burden during their time in prison. The launch also included the Integrated STI, HIV, TB, Hepatitis (ISHTH) campaign, which will screen and treat inmates across the state.

Source: The News Himachal; In detail: Press release

Kerala amends the Kerala Healthcare Service Persons and Healthcare Service Institutions (Prevention of Violence & Damage to Property) Act, 2012, with the objective of creating safer environments for doctors and medical professionals in the state.

Source: Newstrack; In detail: Kerala Healthcare Service Persons and Healthcare Service Institutions (Prevention of Violence & Damage to Property) Act, 2012

Center – State Relations  

Nothing critical to report this week.  

Any Other

Nothing critical to report this week.