Union Cabinet approves a $19 billion rural sanitation scheme; Madhya Pradesh approves act to fast-track investment approvals; Tamil Nadu declares Cauvery Delta as protected agricultural zone; Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Mizoram, and Odisha present state budgets; Punjab notifies Water Resources Management and Regulation Act; and more.
Center – State relations
Union Cabinet has approved Phase-2 of the Swachh Bharat Mission, Grameen, until 2024-25, with a total outlay of $19 billion. The mission will focus on sustainability of the Open Defecation Free program and waste management. Source: Times of India In detail: Press Release
The World Bank signed a $450 million loan agreement to support India’s national program, Atal Bhujal Yojana, to improve groundwater management in select states. Source: Business Standard In detail: Press Release
The Union government has decided to set up an inter-ministerial body to address issues faced by renewable sector, and to attract investment to successfully execute India’s clean energy program. Source: Economic Times In detail: Press Release.
For the first time, the center has come out with customized crop insurance (single peril insurance cover) for states. Source: Times of India In detail: Press Release
Nothing critical to report this week.
The water table has dipped alarmingly across Bihar between August 2019 and February 2020, according to the latest telemetry report by the state Minor Water Resources Department released last week. The dips in water table range from 13 feet to 25 feet. Source: Indian Express
Nothing critical to report this week.
The Gujarat government signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the State Bank of India to facilitate approval of loans to entrepreneurs in the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) sector within a short time frame. Source: Economic Times
Haryana tops the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) performance rating 2019-20. For the first time, the center has prepared ratings regarding DBT payouts. Source: Economic Times In detail: DBT Rating
Reserves of lithium, critical for the production of electric vehicle batteries, were found near Bengaluru. India’s Atomic Energy Commission estimates the reserves at 14,100 tons. Source: Economic Times
The state cabinet approved the Time Bound Clearance Act-2020 to fast track permissions and approvals in setting up industries in the state. This facility will be provided to investors in the field of industry, small industry, IT, and tourism. Source: Daily Pioneer In Detail: Press release
Nothing critical to report this week.
The Rajasthan budget included a $2 billion allocation for power with focus on solar, a $1.6 billion allocation for rural development, and a $197 million allocation for various agriculture schemes. Source: India Today In detail: State Budget
Major public sector power producer NTPC and Rajasthan Solarpark Development Company Ltd signed an agreement, with an investment worth $555.4 million, to develop a 925 megawatt (MW) capacity solar park at Nokh in Jaisalmer. Source: Economic Times
The Rajasthan assembly passed the Rajasthan Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2020. Source: Deccan Herald
The Tamil Nadu Protected Agricultural Zone Development Act 2020 was passed in the state assembly. The bill declares Cauvery Delta as a protected agricultural zone. Source: The Hindu
The Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission approved a tariff rate of ~$0.04 per kilowatt-hour for procuring about 441 MW of wind power through the Solar Energy Corporation of India for 25 years. Source: Mercom In detail: Tariff order
Nothing critical to report this week.
Uttar Pradesh’s budget included a $416 million allocation for Jal Jeevan Mission (the center’s scheme to provide functional piped water to households), and a $279 million allocation for Ganga Expressway, a greenfield expressway project in the state. Source: Business Today In detail: Budget 2020-21
Nothing critical to report this week.
Best of the Rest
Himachal Pradesh
The World Bank Board of Executive Directors approved an $80 million loan to improve water management practices and increase agricultural productivity in selected Gram Panchayats (village councils) in Himachal Pradesh. Source: India Education Diary In detail: World Bank Press Release
Himachal Pradesh cabinet gave its approval to excise policy for the year 2020-21 which envisages collection of $255.5 million revenue during the year. Source: Times of India In detail: Press Release
Jammu and Kashmir
The center plans to install a $1.5 billion worth power transmission project in Ladakh. The 900-km link will help big green energy projects in the Union territory supply power across India. Source: The Hindu Business Line
Kerala
The Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission (KSERC) has issued new regulations called the Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission (Renewable Energy and Net Metering) Regulations, 2020 in which the state has directed constitution of renewable energy cell. Source: Mercom In detail: KSERC Renewable Energy and Net Metering Regulations, 2020
Mizoram
The Mizoram chief minister presented a surplus annual budget with focus on implementation of the government’s flagship program, the Socio Economic Development Policy (SEDP). A $71 million budget allocation has been made for the policy. Source: The Telegraph In detail: State Budget
Odisha
Odisha budget included a $445 million budget allocation for a livelihood and income scheme, and a $154 million budget allocation for a health coverage. Source: India Today In detail: Budget at a glance
Punjab
The Punjab government has issued a notification on the Punjab Water Resources (Management and Regulation) Act, 2020, paving the way for the constitution of the Punjab Water Regulation and Development Authority. Source: The Tribune In detail: Press announcement
Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand cabinet approved the Uttarakhand Aerospace and Defence Industrial Policy to boost investment in the defence manufacturing sector. The cabinet also gave its approval to the excise policy for the fiscal year of 2020-21. Source: Times of India
