Big News: Punjab allows automatic renewals under its labor laws; Kerala approves an ordinance to prevent cyber-attacks; Tripura announces penalties for officers delaying public service delivery; Punjab approves single-window clearance for installing telecom infrastructure; Jammu and Kashmir announces implementation of forest act; and more.

Industrial Policy & Business Regulations

Nothing critical to report this week

Land Acquisition & Labor Reforms

Karnataka promulgates an ordinance to reduce stamp duty on land acquired for setting up industries from five percent to two percent. The reduction is applicable for land costing up to $26,950. Source: Hans India; In detail: Invest Karnataka’s Tweet

Punjab amends the Inter-State Migrant Workers Rules, allowing industries the provision of automatic renewals under its labor laws. Source: The Tribune; In detail: Press Release

Infrastructure & Governance

Goa launches a service to issue digitally-signed survey plans online. Source: Times of India; In detail: Revenue Minister’s Tweet

Jammu and Kashmir announces implementation of Forest Rights Act, 2006, to grant and safeguard the rights of forest dwellers. The act was not applicable in the union territory for the last 14 years. Source: The Wire; In detail: DIPR-J&K’s Tweet

Kerala approves the Kerala Police (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020 to prevent cyber-attacks against women and children. Source: Economic Times; In detail: The Kerala Police (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020

Punjab cabinet approves single-window clearance for the installation of telecommunication infrastructure. Source:Punjab Tribune; In detail: Press Release

Tripura introduces a fine of $0.26 per day up to a maximum of $6.7 a month for officials defaulting in providing a public service. Source: Times of India

Power & Renewable Energy

Maharashtra announces an amnesty scheme to waive interest, penalty, and rebate on payment of pending power bills for agriculture connections in the state. Source: Hindustan Times; In detail: Energy Minister’s Tweet

The Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission (TNERC) sets a benchmark tariff of $0.031 per kilowatt hour (kWh) for agricultural solar pumps. TNERC also set a $0.013 per kWh incentive for farmers exporting surplus energy back into the grid. Source: Mercom; In detail: Order

Oil & Gas

Nothing critical to report this week

Water & Sanitation

Nothing critical to report this week

Health

Nothing critical to report this week

Business Negative Reforms

Nothing critical to report this week

Any Other News

Nothing critical to report this week

Center – State Relations

Central government approves subsidised loans worth $535 million for implementing micro-irrigation projects within Indian states. The interest sub vented loans are being offered through the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development. Source: Business Standard; In detail: Press Release