Big News: Center sets up district development councils in Jammu & Kashmir; Haryana approves water conservation authority; Telangana eases modalities for non-agriculture land registration; Goa approves a new tourism policy; Punjab allows 33 percent reservation for women in government jobs; and more.

Industrial Policy & Business Regulations

Goa government approves its new Goa Tourism Policy, 2020. The policy aims to strengthen tourism assets, expand employment opportunities, and develop infrastructure in Goa’s beach belts. Source: Indian Express

Kerala government launches an online portal for speedy and transparent delivery of concessions, including interest subsidies, for micro, small, and medium enterprises. Source: Business Standard; In detail: Portal

Punjab government approves 33 percent reservation for women for direct recruitment to posts in government jobs. Source: Print; In detail: Press Release

Land Acquisition & Labor Reforms

Gujarat government allows real estate developers to purchase agricultural land under section 63AAA of the Gujarat Tenancy Act. The section allows purchase of agricultural land for bona fide industrial purposes. Source: Times of India; In detail: Chief Minister’s Tweet

Telangana launches online facility for enlistment of non-agricultural properties. Property owners can self-register free of cost through the portal. Source: The Hindu; In detail: Portal

Infrastructure

Delhi exempts all electric, battery-operated vehicles from registration fee in the national capital. Source: India.com; In detail: Transport Minister’s Tweet

The central government amends Jammu and Kashmir’s Panchayati Raj Act, 1989, to establish 14 district development councils (DDCs) in the union territory. DDCs will have jurisdiction over the entire district except areas with municipal jurisdiction. Source: Print; In detail: Notification

Power & Renewable Energy

Nothing critical to report this week

Oil & Gas

Nothing critical to report this week

Water & Sanitation

Haryana approves its Haryana Water Resources Conservation, Management and Regulation Authority Bill, 2020. The bill aims to establish an authority for conservation, management and regulation of water resources in the state. Source: Indian Express; In detail: Bill

Health

Nothing critical to report this week

Business Negative Reforms

Nothing critical to report this week

Any Other

Nothing critical to report this week

Center – State relations

Center permits 20 states to raise additional $9.3 billion through open market borrowings to bridge the revenue shortfall caused by the pandemic. Source: Times of India; In detail: Press Release