States Weekly: July 3, 2024

Big news: Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) grants concessions for transmission and distribution activities Madhya Pradesh; Madhya Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (MPERC) frees Madhya Pradesh Electricity Distribution Code (Version 1), 2024; Maharashtra presents State Budget 2024 With a total expenditure of around $78.24 billion ahead of the state assembly elections October; Karnataka publishes the project Karnataka Platform Based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Bill 2024; Jammu and Kashmir frees Draft Jammu and Kashmir Policy on Grant and Utilization of Transferable Development Rights, 2024; and more.

Health

Jaharkhand I approve “Mukhya Mantri Abua Swasth Suraksha” a program aimed at providing health insurance to citizens who are not covered by the central government “Ayushman Bharat” Program. The program aims to provide health care of $17,988 to 3.34 million people. Source:Economic times; In detail: Jharkhand Mukhya Mantri Abua Swasth Suraksha Guidelines

Climate change and energy

Madhya Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (MPERC) frees Madhya Pradesh Electricity Distribution Code (Version 1), 2024 designed to provide a framework and procedures for the planning, development, operation, maintenance and use of a licensee’s distribution systems within its supply area. The Code aims to improve the supply of electricity to consumers. In detail:Madhya Pradesh Electricity Distribution Code (Revision 1), 2024

Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) grants concessions for transmission and distribution activities Madhya PradeshThe licence, issued to an entity whose name has not yet been disclosed, allows for the transmission and distribution of electricity in the region, increasing competition, availability and reliability of energy supplies. Source:The world of construction

Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) to introduce DERC Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Energy Transactions Guidelines 2024The guidelines focus on promoting the use of renewable energy and increasing opportunities for consumers and prosumers within the city’s distribution network. Source:Solar Quarter; In detail: DERC (Peer-to-Peer Energy Transactions) Guidelines 2024

Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission (TNERC) frees Draft TNERC (Verification of Status of Electricity Generating Establishment/Consumer) Regulations, 2024 to streamline the process of verification of whether power projects qualify as captive generation projects (CGP). The draft rules propose that distribution licensees should conduct annual verification after every financial year to assess compliance with the ownership and consumption criteria as per the Electricity Rules, 2005. Source:mercom; In detail:Draft TNERC (Verification of Status of Electricity Generating Establishment/Consumers) Rules, 2024

Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission (TNERC) spends Draft TNERC (Renewable Energy Purchase Obligation) (Amendment) Regulations 2024The project aims to amend the existing 2023 Regulation to reflect recent changes and court directives affecting energy purchase costs and obligations. Source:Solar Quarter; In detail:TNERC (Renewable Energy Purchase Obligation) (Amendment) Regulations, 2024

Jaharkhand approves the proposal to increase the number of free electricity units for domestic customers from 125 to 200 units per month. Source:Economic times; In detail:Cabinet decisions

Nagaland changes tax rates on petroleum products. The tax rate on diesel fuel has been increased from 16.5 percent or $0.126 per liter, whichever is higher, to 17.20 percent or $0.153 per liter, whichever is higher. The tax rate on gasoline and other motor fuels has been changed from 25 percent or $0.192 per liter, whichever is higher, to 21.75 percent or $0.203 per liter, whichever is higher. Source:India today; In detail:Government Notification

Finances

Nothing important happened this week.

Industrial Policy and Business Regulation

Nothing important happened this week.

Regulations on land acquisition and labor

Karnataka publishes the project Karnataka Platform Based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Bill 2024 regulate the social security and welfare of gig economy workers operating on platforms in the state by establishing, among other things, a council, a social fund and a grievance redressal unit. Source:Indian Express; In detail:Karnataka Platform Based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Bill 2024

Jammu and Kashmir frees Draft Jammu and Kashmir Policy on Grant and Utilization of Transferable Development Rights, 2024 to improve urban development and facilitate land allocation. Source:KashmirObserver; In detail: Jammu and Kashmir Policy on the Grant and Utilisation of Transferable Development Rights, 2024

Infrastructure and management

Maharashtra presents State Budget 2024 with a total outlay of ~$78.24 billion. The budget includes $1.77 billion for electricity dues waiver for 4.4 million farmers. The government has announced 100 percent refund of school fees for girls from OBC and economically weaker sections with an income up to $9,593. Moreover, the budget also includes a cut in petrol and diesel prices in specified areas, along with free gas cylinders. Maharashtra is heading towards the legislative assembly elections in October 2024. Source:Indian Express; In detail:Maharashtra Budget 2024-25

Jaharkhand I approve “Mukhya Mantri Bahan Beti Maiqui Swabalamban Protsahan”program to provide financial assistance of ~$12 per month to 4.5 million women in the state. The program will cost the state government $660 million per year. Source: Print; In detail:Cabinet decisions

Water and sanitation

Madhya Pradesh AND Rajasthan sign an agreement for the implementation of an 8.63 billion dollar project connecting Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal river in Bhopal. The project will provide water to 13 districts of Rajasthan and Malwa and Chambal regions of Madhya Pradesh. Source:India today; In detail:Press Release

Center – State Relations

The Ministry of Mining of the European Union frees Partial Exploration Cost Reimbursement Program for Exploration Concession Holders (EL)offering a 50 percent refund of costs incurred during exploration of key minerals, with a maximum limit of $2.4 million. Under the program, license holders will have to repay the amount once mineral production begins. Source:Business standard; In detail:Press Release

Any other

Nothing important happened this week.