States In Motion: What's Happening In Indian States (1st Feb - 15th Feb, 2026)

Welcome to the latest edition of States In Motion ! .This edition tracks policy, regulatory and administrative decisions issued by State Governments between 1–15 February 2026, covering reforms, sectoral policies and social sector schemes across 15 states. The period reflects a distinct emphasis on regulatory tightening (Madhya Pradesh doubling sand quarry base prices from ₹125 to ₹250 per cubic metre), export-led industrial strategy (Uttar Pradesh reducing ENA export fees to ₹0.50 per bulk litre), structured urban expansion (Maharashtra’s ‘Third Mumbai’ land framework with 22.5% land refund provisions), and fiscal-backed welfare targeting (Bihar’s ₹3,000 top-up raising annual farmer support to ₹9,000).

Several decisions are calibrated to expand capacity and unlock underutilised potential. Haryana’s policy enabling nursing homes on residential plots seeks to crowd in private healthcare infrastructure; Odisha’s Cooperative Policy integrates 4,240 PACS onto a common ERP platform with ₹18.07 crore released in FY 2025–26; Goa’s tourism measures combine documentation reforms with a ₹2 crore annual charter incentive framework to revive and diversify international inflows; and Tamil Nadu’s Urban Greening Policy institutionalises a statewide 15% green cover target supported by GIS mapping and carbon accounting systems.

I. Reform Decisions

A. Madhya Pradesh

The Madhya Pradesh Government notified Amendment to the Madhya Pradesh Sand (Mining, Transportation, Storage and Trading) Rules, 2019.
Source: Click Here
1. The Amendment seeks to streamline and regulate sand mining operations in Madhya Pradesh by ensuring systematic extraction from designated sand groups.
2. Key Features -
  1. The Amendments revise the base price of the quarry from ₹ 125 per cubic metre to ₹ 250 per cubic metre.
  2. The Amendments have increased the time period for paying the fees after receiving the tender, from three working days to seven working days.
  3. The Amendments have introduced a new position of Mine Developer cum Operator, who will be responsible for mine auctions and operations. The operator has been given the power to cancel contracts or take any other decision in case there is a violation of statutory provisions concerning environmental clearance conditions, mining lease terms, safety regulations.
  4. Under Rule 16, the time period for the surrender of a sand group has been extended from six months to one year.
3. Similar Initiatives In Other States - Mining control rules have already been implemented in states such as Maharashtra and Karnataka. These states have introduced structured regulatory frameworks to curb illegal mining, ensure scientific extraction of minerals, enhance transparency in auctions and transportation, and strengthen monitoring through technology-driven surveillance mechanisms.
4. Relevance -
  1. Recent enforcement actions in Madhya Pradesh relating to irregular sand mining practices indicate that certain syndicates allegedly involved in forging Electronic Transit Permits (ETPs) generated proceeds of crime estimated at over ₹ 30 crore, alongside tax evasion, with seizures of cash, vehicles, and equipment reported in 2026. The Amendment seeks to strengthen centralised oversight through the Mine Developer-cum-Operator mechanism and tighter contractual enforcement.
  2. Unregulated sand extraction in Madhya Pradesh, particularly in the Barwani and Dhar districts along the Narmada River has led to significant removal of riverbed sand in excess of 6,000 tonnes over recent years. Formalising sand mining can help restrict unsustainable extraction practices and by shifting sand mining from informal or illegal networks to regulated operators subject to penalties and compliance audits.

II. Rajasthan

Draft Occupational Safety, Health And Working Conditions Rules, 2026
Source: Click Here
1. On 3^rd February, 2026, the Labour and Factories and Boilers Department of Government of Rajasthan issued the Draft Rajasthan Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Rules, 2026.
2. The aim of the Rules is to regulate worker safety and health by laying down provisions regarding registration of establishments, engagement of contract labour and inter-state migrant workers.
3. Key Provisions -
  1. The rules provide for a single electronic application (Form-1) to register establishments and factories.
  2. Every Factory needs to apply to the Registering Authority for a single common license, which will be valid for ten years.
  3. For worker protection, the rules mention that a worker will not be allowed to work for more than 48 hours in a week.
  4. If a worker works for more than eight hours in a day or more than 48 hours in a week, then he will be entitled to overtime pay.
  5. The maximum overtime work which is allowed to any worker is 144 hours.
  6. Every factory employer will provide free medical examinations annually for every employee.
  7. Every employer will issue wage slips to the factory workers (either electronically or manually). The wage slips need to be maintained under the Social Security Code, 2020.
  8. Women can be employed in factories at night between 7:00 PM and 6:00 AM after meeting certain conditions:
    1. Written consent of women.
    2. Adequate transport facilities are provided for pick-up and drop.
    3. The workplace has facilities such as washrooms, drinking water, well-lit entry and exit, and CCTV surveillance should be available near the facilities to ensure their safety.
    4. Provisions of Sexual Harassment at Workplace Act, 2013 are enforced.
4. Implementation Architecture -
  1. For Occupational Safety and Health, the rules provide for an Occupational Safety and Health Advisory Board, which will be chaired by the Principal Secretary/Secretary of the Labour Department.
  2. A mandatory safety committee in all the establishments which employ more than 500 workers. It needs to be informed of:
    1. Potential safety and health hazards to which the workers may be exposed at the workplace.
    2. Data on accidents from a survey of the working environment of the factory, collected at such establishments.
5. Similar Initiatives In Other States - Several states have already drafted rules for worker safety in factories and other establishments such as Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra.
6. Relevance -
  1. Rajasthan has emerged as a major industrial state, particularly in the mining, cement, textiles and industry sector contributing 27.16% to Rajasthan’s Gross State Value Added (GSVA) at current prices. Within the sector, manufacturing made up about 42.62% of industry output, indicating a significant role for manufacturing industries in the state economy.
  2. All accident reports and electronic registers will now automatically sync with Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) and Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) databases. This interoperability would ensure that if an accident occurs, the worker’s social security claims are triggered automatically, reducing the bureaucratic delay that historically left injured workers without immediate financial support.

III. Goa

Corrigendum On Streamlining Mandatory Documentation To Improve Ease Of Doing Business
Source: Click Here
1. On 5^th February, 2026, the Government of Goa issued a corrigendum aimed at streamlining mandatory documentation requirements under the state’s Ease of Doing Business framework.
2. The policy clarifies documentation requirements for tourism-related registrations to simplify compliance, reduce delays, and improve predictability for businesses.
3. Key Features –
  1. The corrigendum specifically clarifies the mandatory documentation required when residential units (apartments, villas, or flats) are proposed to be used for tourism or commercial hospitality purposes.
  2. It expands the list of acceptable No-Objection authorities by allowing applicants to obtain approvals not only from a registered and functional housing society, but also from a Resident Welfare Association or Homeowners’ Association, and from the builder or promoter in cases where no society or association has been constituted.
  3. Where formal bodies are absent or inactive, the corrigendum allows written consent from more than 50% of residents of the building or complex.
  4. The revised documentation requirements apply uniformly to both Hotel Registration and Water Sports Registration, ensuring consistency across tourism-related approvals and avoiding parallel or conflicting compliance standards.
4. Relevance –
  1. With 1.08 crore tourist arrivals in 2025 and hotels frequently at near full occupancy, Goa faces a structural accommodation shortage. By expanding No Objection eligibility to Resident Welfare Associations, builders, or 50% resident consent, the policy unlocks idle villa and apartment inventory, adds bed capacity without new construction, formalises informal rentals, strengthens safety and compliance, and broadens the state’s tax base.
  2. The corrigendum supports the Goa Tourism 2.0 vision by unlocking private villas and apartments across the predominantly rural hinterland through expanded No Objection eligibility to Resident Welfare Associations, builders, or 50% resident consent. This converts idle housing stock into regulated hospitality capacity without new construction, supports the shift from coastal seasonality to a 365 day high value tourism model, formalises rural homestays, enables long stay and digital nomad demand, and expands safety compliant, tax registered inventory.
  3. A large portion of Goa’s apartment rentals operated in a legal gray area. By making the No Objection Certificate process predictable, the Government is incentivising these owners to register formally. This not only increases state revenue through registration fees and luxury taxes but also ensures that these units comply with Fire Safety and C-Form (Foreigner Registration) protocols.

II. Policy Level Announcements

A. Haryana

State Innovation Mission (SIM)
Source: Click Here
1. On 4^th February, 2026, the Haryana Government approved the establishment of the Haryana State Innovation Mission (SIM) under the newly created Department of the Future.
2. The primary objective of the mission is to develop a customised State Innovation Model that integrates public institutions, industry, academia, and international partners to drive innovation, foster entrepreneurial activities, and contribute to growth across sectors, including technology, manufacturing, and agriculture.
3. Key Features –
  1. SIM has been set up to create a tailored innovation ecosystem for Haryana, aligned with the state’s futuristic development vision.
  2. SIM will work in collaboration with national innovation platforms such as the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) and the NITI Aayog, facilitating integration among Government agencies, industry players, academia, incubators, and international partners.
  3. A world-class incubator, H-HUB, plug-and-play workspaces and high-performance computing resources for 5,000+ new startups will be provided.
  4. Leadership and governance of SIM will involve senior officials from the Department of the Future, with nominations from industry experts, academic institutions (including IITs and NITs), research centres, and centres of excellence.
  5. From the 2025-26 academic session, entrepreneurship competitions will be organised in every district, with ₹ 1 lakh grants provided to teams to convert ideas into business models.
  6. SIM will oversee the establishment of two dedicated AI Hubs in Gurugram and Panchkula, with a target to train 50,000 youth in emerging technologies.
4. Similar Initiatives In Other States -Several states have institutionalised dedicated innovation missions to anchor their startup ecosystems. Telangana operationalised this through T-Hub as a strong public–private incubator, Gujarat adopted a dual model via iCreate and i-Hub linking advanced tech and universities, and Tamil Nadu established StartupTN with a focus on seed funding and Tier-2 and Tier-3 expansion.
5. Relevance –
  1. Haryana aims to become a $ 1 trillion (₹ 90.58 lakh crore) economy by 2047, but current growth rates in agriculture at around 4.1%, services at about 8.4% and manufacturing at about 8.1% are inadequate to meet this target. Achieving this scale requires high-growth sectors that expand at a higher rate. SIM provides this multiplier by injecting innovation- and startup-led growth into the economy, shifting the GDP mix toward high-value technology and IP-driven output.
  2. SIM will use forecast modeling and data intelligence to provide recommendations to all other state departments. This ensures that infrastructure is built specifically for future-ready industries, such as semiconductor testing and EV battery manufacturing, rather than just generic industrial sheds.

II. Uttar Pradesh

The Excise Export Policy, 2026-29
Source: Click Here
1. On 12^th February, 2026, the Uttar Pradesh Government rolled out its Excise Policy, 2026–27 along with a three-year Excise Export Policy, 2026–29.
2. The twin policies aim to combine revenue buoyancy with investor confidence, while strengthening Uttar Pradesh’s global market footprint through increased export of domestically manufactured liquor brands.
3. Key Features –
  1. Uttar Pradesh has become the first state in the country to introduce a dedicated, standalone export-focused policy specifically for the alcoholic beverage sector.
  2. The state has substantially reduced bottling fees, export pass fees, and franchise fees, and has lowered special export fees, previously applicable to exports of up to 25% of approved production capacity, to the minimum prescribed level.
  3. The policy significantly relaxes the stringent provisions related to brand registration and label approvals for liquor specifically meant for international export, while also reducing the applicable fees to a minimum.
  4. A dedicated “Green Channel” for export clearances has been created to ensure timely shipping.
  5. Further, the fee for molasses-based Extra Neutral Alcohol (ENA), i.e., the base for most spirits, to other states/countries has been cut to ₹ 0.50 per bulk litre.
  6. Lastly, heritage Liquor Export such as Mahua-based or local grain-based spirits has been introduced with new permission for Tasting Taverns at distilleries to facilitate international buyers and tourism.
4. Relevance –
  1. Uttar Pradesh, despite generating high excise revenue and possessing a large agricultural base, holds dismal share of domestic liquor export with only ₹ 311 crore in liquor exports in FY 2023–24. Notably, states such as Maharashtra (due to wine) and Punjab (due to grain spirits) dominate international alcohol markets.
  2. In light of the above, the standalone three-year Excise Export Policy is therefore relevant in correcting this imbalance by sharply reducing bottling charges, export pass fees, and franchise fees for up to 25% of approved production capacity, creating a direct incentive for export-oriented investment and attracting new distillery capacity within the state.
  3. Despite hosting 122 sugar mills, high inter-state export duties previously limited Uttar Pradesh’s competitiveness in supplying ENA to national and global markets. By reducing the export fee for molasses-based ENA to ₹ 0.50 per bulk litre, the policy positions the state as a low-cost sourcing hub, directly integrating local sugarcane output with high-value alcohol supply chains.
  4. Further, instead of just selling raw molasses or fuel-grade ethanol, the policy incentivises the production of high-value potable spirits such as whisky, gin, and vodka, capturing a much larger share of the global $ 1.83 trillion (~ ₹ 166 lakh crore) alcoholic beverages market.

III. Maharashtra

Land Acquisition And Allotment Policy For The Development Of The ‘Third Mumbai’ Project
Source: Click Here
1. On 11^th February, 2026, the Maharashtra Cabinet approved the Land Acquisition and Allotment Policy, 2026 for the development of the “Third Mumbai” project in the influence area of the Atal Setu (Mumbai Trans Harbour Link).
2. The aim is to guide planned urbanisation and spur industrial, commercial and residential growth beyond existing metropolitan areas.
3. Key Features –
  1. The policy will allow land acquisition through mutual agreement or under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013, with compensation offered in cash, Floor Area Index (FSI) or Transferable Development Rights (TDR).
  2. A 22.5% land refund mechanism for affected landowners under the refund scheme. However, if the returned area is less than 40 square meters, the owner receives direct cash compensation instead.
  3. Undeveloped land to be made attractive for industry through a pass-through cost recovery model where plot holders bear the acquisition and development costs in installments.
  4. Plots to be allotted on an “as-is-where-is” basis without Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Authority (MMRDA)-funded infrastructure.
  5. Priority land allotment will be given to industries bringing foreign direct investment (FDI) above ₹ 250 crore per 100 acres (excluding land cost), with restrictions on sale or transfer of undeveloped land and up to 25% of the developed area permitted for FDI projects based on eligibility criteria.
4. Relevance –
  1. Maharashtra retained its position among India’s top investment destinations in FY 2024–25, accounting for over ₹ 1.39 lakh crore in proposed investments as per Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and consistently ranking in the top tier of the Business Reforms Action Plan (BRAP). A structured land allotment framework for the Third Mumbai project strengthens ease of doing business by reducing land acquisition uncertainty, one of the biggest bottlenecks flagged by investors.
  2. In 2025, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region emerged as India’s most active land market with 32 major land deals covering over 500 acres, accounting for around 13% of nationwide land transactions, a strong signal of sustained investor interest and rising development activity that the Third Mumbai land policy would further catalyse.
  3. Maharashtra aims to be a $ 1 trillion economy (₹ 1 lakh crore). The Third Mumbai project is thus the growth release valve as by creating a planned city 20 minutes from South Mumbai via Atal Setu, the state is creating high-value real estate supply to stabilise prices in the mainland while capturing new industrial growth in Raigad district.
  4. The policy specifically earmarks land for global universities (i.e., Edu-City) and high-tech hospitals (i.e., Medi-City). Notably, it aims to host 65% of the domestic data center capacity, leveraging the region’s landing stations and stable power infrastructure.

IV. Odisha

Cabinet Approval To The State Cooperative Policy, 2026
Source: Click Here
1. The Odisha Cabinet has approved the Odisha State Cooperative Policy, 2026, aimed at strengthening and expanding the cooperative movement across the state.
2. The policy seeks to create a dynamic, transparent, efficient and member-focused cooperative ecosystem that enhances service delivery, institutional effectiveness and economic inclusion, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas.
3. Key Features –
  1. Provides a framework to revitalise Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), Large Area Multi-Purpose Cooperative Societies (LAMPCS), cooperative banks, and marketing and processing cooperatives.
  2. Creation of the Odisha Cooperative Digital Stack (OCDS), integrated with the National Cooperative Database for real-time tracking of assets, credit, and transactions. ₹ 18.07 crore released in FY 2025–26 to bring 4,240 PACS onto a common Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) based national software.
  3. Recognition of PACS functionaries through specialized training at the Agriculture Cooperative Staff Training Institute (ACSTI). Mandating a 33% reservation for women in cooperative boards to ensure inclusive decision-making.
  4. Launch of the ‘Utkal’ or ‘Kalinga’ Brand to promote Odisha cooperative products on e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, and ONDC.
  5. Enhances credit flow and financial inclusion by supporting cooperative banks and strengthening institutional credit delivery for farmers and rural stakeholders.
  6. Supports cooperatives in key sectors such as agriculture, dairy, housing, handloom, fisheries, and allied activities to broaden economic participation.
  7. Develops integrated cooperative clusters across millets, pulses, dairy, and fisheries, alongside a White Revolution 2.0 focused on strengthening the Odisha State Cooperative Milk Producers’ Federation Limited (OMFED) dairy network to scale procurement by 50%.
4. Central Initiative Alignment - The policy aligns with the National Cooperation Policy, 2025, that aims to make cooperatives drivers of Viksit Bharat 2047.
5. Relevance –
  1. Odisha has 6,794 Gram Panchayats, out of which only 4,147 have a functional PACS, leaving around 40% without institutional credit access. The policy’s mandate of one PACS per Gram Panchayat and one cooperative per village corrects this gap and integrates these areas into the formal banking network.
  2. The policy integrates PACS into the World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan. By building godowns at the village level, it allows farmers to store their harvest and wait for better market prices rather than engaging in distress sales immediately after harvest.
  3. By transforming cooperatives into “Agri-Business Centres,” the Government is shifting from a subsidy-driven model to a self-sustaining revenue model. This aligns with the Viksit Odisha 2036 vision, where the cooperative sector contributes significantly to the state’s GDP through exports and value-added processing.

V. Haryana

Setting Up Of Nursing Homes In Residential Plots
Source: Click Here
1. On 3^rd February, 2026, the Haryana Government approved a policy allowing the setup of nursing homes in residential plots to expand healthcare access, particularly in semi-urban and rural parts of the state.
2. The primary objective is to improve healthcare infrastructure and services close to communities by enabling qualified medical professionals and healthcare providers to establish nursing homes in areas traditionally restricted to residential use.
3. Key Features –
  1. It permits the establishment of nursing homes on residential plots, subject to defined criteria and approvals, effectively relaxing prior land-use restrictions.
  2. Permission is granted exclusively to residential plots owned by qualified Allopathic or AYUSH doctors. Further, doctors must be currently practicing, registered with the state Medical/AYUSH Council, and members of the local IMA branch.
  3. Each sector is limited to four nursing homes, permitted only on service roads along sector or master roads, with just one allowed on a service road abutting a sector-dividing road.
  4. In Hyper and High Potential Zones such as Gurugram and Faridabad, the minimum plot size required is 350 square yards, while in Medium and Low Potential Zones the minimum plot size is 250 square yards.
  5. It mandates a one-time conversion charge of ₹ 10,000 per square yard in Hyper Zones, ₹ 8,000 in High Zones, ₹ 6,000 in Medium Zones, and ₹ 4,000 in Low Zones.
  6. No External Development Charges or any other additional fees are applicable under this framework.
4. Relevance –
  1. With an estimated population of about 3.03 crore and only 14,150 beds across all public healthcare facilities, Haryana’s bed density stands at roughly 0.47 beds per 1,000 people, far below the Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS 2022) norm of 1 bed per 1,000. By incentivising private doctors to add beds using their own residential land, the policy effectively crowdsources health infrastructure and bridges the deficit without heavy state capital spending.
  2. By permitting up to four doctor-led nursing homes within each residential sector, the policy embeds primary healthcare infrastructure directly into plotted colonies, decentralising service delivery, reducing dependence on distant tertiary hospitals, and ensuring timely access to essential and emergency care within neighbourhood limits.

IV. Tamil Nadu

New Integrated Textile Policy, 2025–26
Source: Click Here
1. The Tamil Nadu Government released the New Integrated Textile Policy, 2025–26 to meet the current needs of the textile industry by modernising production capacity, strengthening sustainability, and enhancing competitiveness across the entire textile value chain.
2. Key Features –
  1. Focuses on significant advancements in the textile sector over the next five years, including modernising millions of spindles and rotors, installing state-of-the-art weaving looms, and setting up new processing facilities to boost both capacity and quality.
  2. Introduces Tamil Nadu Technical Textile Mission (T³M) and dedicated research and business development funds to support high‑value segments, alongside fiscal incentives and support mechanisms,
  3. The T³M is launched with a dedicated ₹ 15 crore initial budget to foster 24 industrial units in Meditech, Mobiltech, and Sporttech. It also offers 50% reimbursement of consultancy fees (up to ₹ 50 lakh) for firms transitioning from conventional to technical textiles.
  4. Provide capital subsidies, interest subvention, and cluster-based infrastructure support
  5. Promote Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards, environmental compliance, and global certifications for export readiness.
  6. Introduce single-window clearances and support for technology adoption and cluster-based development.
  7. Strengthen the entire textile value chain, from raw material supply to finished goods for domestic and export markets.
3. Relevance –
  1. Following the United States’ imposition of tariffs of up to 50% on Indian textile exports, subsequently reduced to 18%, Tamil Nadu, which accounts for approximately 30–35% of India’s textile exports to the United States, experienced a sharp competitiveness shock. The policy offsets this through cost-reducing subsidies and incentives for market diversification beyond the United States, to secure the textile industry from similar disruptions in future.
  2. With an 11% import duty inflating the cost of high-quality cotton, The policy pivots the industry toward technical textiles and man-made fibres through the Tamil Nadu Technical Textiles Mission, using R&D and startup support to move clusters like Coimbatore from low-margin cotton spinning to higher-value advanced fabric manufacturing.
  3. Further, global brands increasingly mandate Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) or OEKO-TEX certifications. The policy’s focus on ESG and certifications is essentially a market access strategy. By funding environmental audits and compliance, the Government is ensuring that Brand Tamil Nadu remains the preferred choice for Western buyers who are under pressure to de-risk their supply chains from non-compliant sources.
Urban Greening Policy, 2026
Source: Click Here
1. On 6^thFebruary, 2026, the Tamil Nadu Government, released the Tamil Nadu Urban Greening Policy, 2026 under the Green Tamil Nadu Mission to systematically expand and manage green infrastructure in cities and peri-urban areas.
2. The primary aim of the policy is to systematically expand and integrate urban green cover and nature-based solutions in cities to build climate-resilient, liveable, and ecologically balanced urban environments, with all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) striving for at least 15% green cover.
3. Key Features –
  1. Mandates that every ULB strive to maintain at least 15% of its total geographical area under green cover, contributing to the state’s long-term green cover targets.
  2. Integrates urban forests, parks, avenue trees, wetlands, and blue-green infrastructure into statutory planning instruments such as master plans and development plans, embedding greening within core urban governance.
  3. Promotes adoption of the 3-30-300 Urban Green Livability principle, ensuring tree visibility, neighbourhood canopy cover, and accessible public green spaces within walking distance.
  4. Provides for GIS-based mapping, urban tree census, geo-tagging of plantations, and carbon accounting systems to enable scientific monitoring and outcome-based evaluation.
  5. Encourages planting of native, climate-resilient, and drought-tolerant species, along with standardised maintenance protocols to ensure long-term survival and ecological impact.
  6. Calls for the creation of dedicated institutional mechanisms, including Urban Forest Wings at the municipal level and a state-level coordination framework for inter-departmental convergence.
4. Relevance –
  1. With urban population projected to reach 67% by 2031 and Chennai’s green cover at barely 5.28%, Tamil Nadu faces rising heat stress and declining liveability. By mandating a minimum 15% green cover and embedding climate-sensitive planning norms, the policy directly targets urban heat island mitigation and restores ecological balance within expanding cities.
  2. Tamil Nadu has lost over 3,025 sq. km. of forest cover while rapid urban expansion has intensified thermal densification, pushing 94 blocks into long-term warming and leaving 25 hotspots such as Chennai and Ramanathapuram critically exposed. By mandating a minimum 15% green cover and prioritising these heat-stressed blocks under the 3-30-300 framework, the policy directly counters the forest-to-concrete feedback loop and institutionalises targeted, data-driven climate cooling in urban planning.

VII. Chhattisgarh

Innovation And Startup Promotion Policy, 2025–30
Source: Click Here
1. On 4^th February, 2026, Chhattisgarh approved the Innovation and Startup Promotion Policy, 2025–30 positioning the state as a competitive national startup hub.
2. The primary aim is to create and support 5,000 startups by 2030 through targeted incentives and ecosystem support.
3. Key Features –
  1. The policy provides seed funding of up to ₹ 10 lakh for startups with proof of concept to develop a minimum viable product (MVP), lowering early-stage barriers to innovation.
  2. A ₹ 100 crore Startup Capital Fund will be created to channel investments into startups through Alternative Investment Funds and other investment vehicles, enhancing access to growth capital.
  3. Establishment of a ₹ 50 crore Credit Risk Fund to offer collateral-free loans up to ₹ 1 crore and interest subsidies on term loans or working capital (up to 75 % of interest or ₹ 50 lakh), to improve credit access for early-stage ventures.
  4. The policy provides grant support (up to 50 %) for participation in national and international startup events and digital promotion, helping startups gain market exposure and networking opportunities.
  5. Startups generating employment (above 10 permanent jobs) receive monthly incentives for male and female employees, and those hiring specially-abled persons, retired Agniveers, or Naxal-affected individuals receive wage subsidies for up to five years.
  6. The policy relaxes Government procurement norms for startups and includes measures to incentivise participation in the state’s innovation ecosystem, strengthening start-ups’ competitive edge.
4. Incentives -
  1. Rental subsidies for startups operating from incubation centres or rented premises,
  2. Stamp duty exemptions, and financial support for quality certification, patents, technology procurement, and project reports.
5. Similar Initiatives In Other States - Several states such as Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra etc, have operationalised structured startup policies offering financial incentives, incubation support, and fund-of-funds mechanisms.
6. Relevance –
  1. The policy supports structural economic diversification by aligning with the Anjor Vision@2047 to reduce dependence on raw mineral exports worth over ₹ 30,000 crore annually and shift from extraction to value-added processing. Through 50% reimbursement on quality certification and patent registration up to ₹ 10 lakh, it incentivises agri-tech and food processing startups to convert low-value raw produce such as paddy and minor forest produce into high-value branded products, strengthening local value chains and industrial depth.
  2. Unlike states concentrated on a single tech city, Chhattisgarh is deploying a Hub-and-Spoke model. Raipur acts as the central hub, with divisional incubators receiving ₹ 5 lakh/year and district-level ones receiving ₹ 3 lakh/year. This ensures that a startup in Bastar or Surguja has the same onboarding access as one in Raipur.
  3. One of the biggest challenges for startups is securing their initial customers, to establish market credibility and initiate revenue flow. By relaxing Government procurement norms such as waiving prior experience or turnover requirements, Chhattisgarh is acting as the “Anchor Customer” for local innovators. This provides immediate revenue streams for deep-tech and smart-agriculture ventures that are critical to the state’s digital transformation.

VIII. Kerala

The Draft Urban Policy
Source: Click Here
1. On 11^th February 2026, Kerala Cabinet approved the Draft Urban Policy to guide development activities for the next 25 years.
2. The policy aims to reduce social and spatial inequalities and ensure social support systems while creating high-quality urban amenities.
3. Key Features –
  1. Establishes India’s first comprehensive state-level Urban Policy to provide a structured and long-term framework for managing rapid urbanisation in Kerala by 2050.
  2. Upgrades the traditional Public Private Partnership model to a Public, Private, and People’s Partnership (PPPP) framework to ensure grassroots citizen involvement in development.
  3. It links the physical development of high-quality urban amenities with the mandatory creation of social support systems to bridge spatial and social inequalities.
  4. Uses a specific 10-pillar framework to transition the state into a continuous network of climate-smart cities while strictly protecting environmentally sensitive zones.
  5. It mandates that all city master plans be risk-informed, using high-resolution hazard mapping (LiDAR) to restrict construction in flood-prone and landslide-sensitive zones.
4. Relevance –
  1. With 33.7% of Kerala’s land (13,108 sq. km) designated as “Ecologically Sensitive Area” in the Western Ghats, and given state’s experience of recurrent floods and landslides, the risks of unchecked expansion are particularly acute. The policy, hence, enforces hazard-aware zoning to restrict large-scale urban construction in such regions and preserve their function as natural climate buffers.
  2. Moreover, Kerala’s 590-km coastline houses nearly 30% of its population, with 41% of the coastline affected by erosion and subject to strict Coastal Regulation Zone norms. The policy mandates climate-smart urban planning to regulate high-density growth in this vulnerable belt through scientific safeguards rather than high-risk expansion.
  3. The policy is relevant in shifting from the conventional Public–Private Partnership model to a Public–Private–People Partnership framework that formally integrates citizen participation into urban development. By leveraging Kerala’s strong local self-Government system and community networks, and aligning with participatory approaches seen in national programmes like the Smart Cities Mission, it ensures infrastructure expansion remains inclusive and socially accountable.
  4. Additionally, to bridge the technical gap in municipalities, the policy launches Jnanashree, a program to recruit youth technocrats. These specialists will help Urban Local Bodies interpret satellite data and LiDAR mapping, ensuring that local governance is as technologically advanced as the Central Government’s Smart Cities initiative.

IX. Goa

The Goa State Cooperative Policy, 2026
Source: Click Here
1. On 11^th February, 2026, the Goa cabinet approved the Goa State Cooperative Policy, 2026.
2. This policy aims to strengthen the cooperative sector by addressing emerging challenges such as governance deficit, financial stress, limited professional capacity and the growing need for digital transformation.
3. Key Features –
  1. Establishes a rigid five year implementation timeline from 2026 to 2030 with mandatory year-wise targets for sectoral development.
  2. Legalises a handholding mechanism where large, profit-making cooperatives are empowered to financially mentor and revive weak or dormant societies.
  3. Authorises cooperative societies to officially manage and supply labour and transport services, shifting unorganised sectors into the formal economy.
  4. Expands the legal scope of cooperative activities to include green energy production, renewable initiatives, and tech-driven business models.
  5. Mandates 100% digitisation of cooperative records and the establishment of dedicated state institutes for professional cooperative management training.
  6. Lastly, it mandates the creation of village-level value-addition units and direct market linkages to reduce dependence on inter-state imports for dairy and agriculture.
4. Central Initiative Alignment - The policy aligns with the National Cooperation Policy, 2025, that aims to make cooperatives drivers of Viksit Bharat@2047.
5. Relevance –
  1. Goa’s 178 rural dairy cooperatives procure only about 65,000 litres per day against a 1,10,000-litre processing capacity, resulting in plant underutilisation and continued dependence on external milk and fodder supplies that account for nearly 70% of input costs. The policy addresses this gap by unlocking National Cooperative Development Corporation funds to establish fodder seed banks and upgrade dairy technology, strengthening local production and advancing the Swayampurna Goa 2037 self-reliance mandate.
  2. Goa has a high concentration of financially weak cooperative societies, particularly in agriculture, dairy, and housing, where governance gaps and capital shortages have led to insolvency risks and threatened member savings. The policy addresses this without fiscal burden by enabling stronger, profit-making cooperatives to legally support, restructure, and stabilise weaker societies through a peer-led financial and managerial handholding framework.
Inbound Tour Operators Incentive Scheme, 2026
Source: Click Here
1. On 5^th February, 2026, the Government of Goa notified the Inbound Tour Operators Incentive Scheme, 2026, to revive and expand international inbound tourism.
2. This policy boosts Goa’s tourism by encouraging international charter flights, increasing tourist stays and spending, diversifying source markets, and promoting sustainable growth through performance-based incentives.
3. Key Features –
  1. The scheme offers performance-based financial incentives to inbound tour operators registered with the Goa Department of Tourism.
  2. It applies specifically to international charter flights landing at Goa International Airport (Dabolim) and Manohar International Airport (Mopa).
  3. For existing markets and monsoon operations, assistance will be provided only for flights operated above defined base-year levels (1^st January – 31^st December).
  4. The scheme includes provisions for both new international markets and seasonal charter services during off-peak periods (including monsoon), but for existing and monsoon flights, assistance is provided only for incremental activity above defined base-year levels.
  5. The scheme has an initial three-year implementation horizon, with the possibility of annual renewal based on outcomes and priorities, and prioritises incentives for operators engaging with new markets subject to available budget allocations.
  6. All aircraft operating under the scheme must comply with Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) safety and operational standards aligned with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) norms.
4. Incentive Structure -
  1. Incoming charter services must meet a minimum Passenger Load Factor (PLF) threshold
  2. At least 70% of arriving passengers must stay in Goa for a minimum of seven days.
5. Financial Outlay - An annual incentive budget is allocated for the scheme that is ₹ 2 crore with a per-operator cap, disbursed after verification of performance outcomes.
6. Relevance –
  1. The scheme responds to a sharp contraction in Goa’s international charter market, with arrivals falling to 189 flights and about 40,000 tourists in 2025, down from 1,024 flights and roughly 2.5 lakh tourists in 2017. By offering ₹ 2 lakh per flight on new routes, the Government is deploying a targeted rebound incentive to revive dormant source markets such as the United Kingdom and Russia and tap emerging ones like Poland and Uzbekistan, thereby stabilising the high spending international segment.
  2. The launch of Mopa (GOX) initially split the charter traffic, leading to operational inefficiencies. The scheme treats both airports as part of a unified gateway strategy. By offering the same incentives at both locations, the state ensures that airlines can choose based on commercial feasibility rather than tax or subsidy disparities.
  3. Further, by providing incentives for Monsoon Charters (June–September), the state is attempting to break the “seasonal” nature of Goa’s economy. This aligns with the Goa Tourism 2.0vision of becoming a 365-day destination, ensuring that hotels and staff have stable employment throughout the year, rather than just the October–March window.

III. Social Sector Schemes

A. Bihar

Karpoori Thakur Kisan Samman Scheme
Source: Click Here
1. On 4^th February, 2026, the Bihar Government announced the launch of the Karpoori Thakur Kisan Samman scheme, under which eligible farmers will receive ₹ 3,000 annually as direct financial support.
2. The primary objective of this initiative is to provide targeted income support to farmers, strengthen their financial resilience, and help mitigate the impact of rising input costs and economic uncertainties in the agriculture sector.
3. Key Features –
  1. Eligible farmers in Bihar will receive ₹ 3,000 per year under the Karpoori Thakur Kisan Samman scheme.
  2. The scheme is additional to the support of ₹ 6,000 that farmers in the state get under PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, making the assistance given to farmers of the state to ₹ 9,000.
  3. The state support will be divided into three installments of ₹ 1,000 each, synchronised with the Central Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) schedule (typically every four months).
  4. Further, all farmers currently registered and verified for PM Kisan in Bihar are automatically eligible.
  5. However, it requires active Aadhaar-seeding and e-KYC compliance to ensure leak-proof delivery.
  6. It is part of the broader focus on agricultural welfare and rural support programmes by the Bihar Government.
4. Central Initiative Alignment - The scheme complements the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, by giving extra cash to the farmers of the state.
5. Relevance –
  1. Bihar’s agrarian structure is dominated by marginal holdings, with an average landholding of just 0.39 hectares and about 97% of farmers classified as small or marginal farmers. In this context, making the cash transfer to ₹ 9,000 has outsized value, covering a significant portion of the input costs for a sub-acre farmer and reducing dependence on local moneylenders for basic inputs like seeds.
  2. The scheme, promised by the NDA Government in its 2025 Election Manifesto for the state, is a pillar of the broader Agriculture Roadmap-4. By injecting nearly ₹ 2,600 crore annually into the rural economy, the Government is stimulating local consumption. This cash-in-hand approach acts as a stabiliser against seasonal price volatility and crop failures.

II. Odisha

Mukhyamantri Kanya Bibaha Yojana
Source: Click Here
1. On 3^rd February, 2026, the Government of Odisha launched the Mukhyamantri Kanya Bibaha Yojana.
2. The initiative aims to reduce the financial burden of marriage on economically weaker families, promote dignified and socially responsible matrimonial practices, encourage women’s dignity and social security, support widow remarriage, and discourage dowry in the state of Odisha.
3. Key Features –
  1. Under the Mukhyamantri Kanya Bibaha Yojana, eligible brides receive financial assistance of ₹ 51,000 to support marriage expenses.
  2. Of the total amount, ₹ 35,000 is transferred directly to the bride’s bank account through DBT, ₹ 10,000 is allotted for wedding gifts (including sarees, ornaments, and household items), and ₹ 6,000 supports marriage arrangements such as food and event costs.
  3. Eligibility criteria require the bride to be aged 18–35 years and the groom 21–35 years, and both must be permanent residents of Odisha.
  4. The scheme prioritises low-income families, widows, Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
  5. Implementation covers the period 2025–26 to 2029–30 with a budget provision of over ₹ 59 crore for state-wide rollout.
4. Relevance –
  1. For low-income families in rural Odisha, a single wedding can lead to lifelong debt at predatory interest rates. The ₹ 51,000 package is an asset-building grant as by covering the fixed costs of a wedding, it prevents the liquidation of productive assets (like cattle or small land plots) that families otherwise sell to fund dowries or ceremonies.
  2. Child marriage in Odisha remains alarmingly high, with 20.5% of women aged 20–24 married before 18, effectively one in every five girls. The problem is sharply concentrated in tribal districts such as Nabarangpur (39.4%), Malkangiri (39.3%), Koraput (35.5%), Rayagada (33.9%), Mayurbhanj (31.3%), and Ganjam (22.3%), where rates approach or exceed double the state average. By restricting eligibility for the scheme to 18+ and linking compliance to a ₹ 60,000 benefit, the policy directly targets these hotspots by creating a tangible financial disincentive for underage marriage.

III. Madhya Pradesh

Overseas Employment Placement Scheme For OBC Youth
Source: Click Here
1. The Government of Madhya Pradesh announced the Overseas Employment Scheme for the OBC Youth, which will replace the Overseas Employment Placement Scheme for OBC Youth, 2022 scheme.
2. The main aim of the scheme is to utilise the idle demographic dividend of the state by connecting them with employment opportunities, while maintaining bolstering friendly relations with foreign states.
3. Key Features -
  1. The scheme replaces the earlier Overseas Employment Placement Scheme for OBC Youth 2022 scheme.
  2. Under the scheme, the state Government aims to facilitate employment opportunities for 600 OBC youth every year for the next three years.
  3. The state Government has announced an allocation of ₹ 45 crore to enhance global employability and income opportunities for the youth from the backward classes.
4. Similar Initiatives In Other States- Other states implementing similar schemes include Uttarakhand, Kerala and Uttar Pradesh which focuses on preparing candidates for international employment through skill certification, pre-departure orientation, and strong linkages with overseas labour markets to reduce unemployment and raise earning potential.
5. Relevance -
  1. By facilitating structured overseas job placements for OBC youth, the scheme contributes indirectly to increased remittance inflows, which are a major and stable source of foreign exchange for India and a significant economic support for households. With remittances reaching a record $ 135.46 billion (~₹ 11.55 Lakh Crore) in FY 2024-25, such overseas employment opportunities have the potential to enhance household incomes.
  2. Madhya Pradesh has a large pool of unemployed youth, with over 26 lakh young jobseekers registered on the state’s Rojgar Portal and more than 10.46 lakh of them are from the OBC category. The scheme directly targets a large base of unemployed OBC youth, making the state’s investment of ₹ 45 crore more meaningful as it addresses a quantifiable problem rather than a symbolic goal.
  3. In 2025, nearly four lakh workers across India migrated to ECR (Emigration Check Required) countries, with major destinations like the UAE and Saudi Arabia, indicating strong ongoing demand for overseas employment. The scheme aligns with existing international employment flows by preparing youth for legal and structured overseas work instead of ad-hoc or unsafe migration, potentially reducing exploitation and distress cases for migrant workers.

IV. West Bengal

Banglar Yuva Sathi Scheme
Source: Click Here
1. The West Bengal Government on 5^th February, 2026 announced the Banglar Yuva Sathi Scheme in its Budget in the State Legislative Assembly.
2. The scheme aims to empower the unemployed youth of West Bengal by providing them monthly financial assistance.
3. Key Features -
  1. The state Government will provide a monthly aid of ₹ 1,500/- to the unemployed youth of the state through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
  2. The Government has prescribed an eligibility criteria for the scheme on the official portal:
    1. The applicant must be a permanent resident of West Bengal.
    2. The age limit for the benefit is between 21 - 40 years.
    3. Minimum educational qualification of the applicant should be Class 10^th pass or higher.
    4. The applicant must be currently unemployed.
  3. The duration of the scheme will be for a maximum of five years or until the applicant receives an employment offer.
  4. The residents of West Bengal in the age group of 21 - 40 will be ineligible to apply under certain conditions:
    1. If they are regular students.
    2. If they have received other Government scholarships (like Swami Vivekananda or Kanyashree).
    3. If they are employed in any sector.
  5. Residents will not be allowed to apply to Yuva Sathi Scheme if they are receiving benefit from any other scheme (such as Yuvasree Scheme).
4. Similar Initiatives In Other States - Other states with similar schemes include Himachal Pradesh and Kerala, where the state Government provides a monthly allowance to the unemployed.
5. Relevance -
  1. The state has not provided essential records to the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) for auditing major programmes and other social security schemes because the state cited privacy/record issues and did not furnish data even after reminders. This pattern of non-cooperation undermines oversight of beneficiary targeting and public expenditure and raises concerns about inclusion and exclusion errors and the risk of fiscal leakage in new schemes. The scheme attempts to address such risks by mandating eligibility filters and creating a more digitised and traceable beneficiary database.
  2. West Bengal’s youth unemployment (ages 15–29) remains a challenge, the state recorded a 12.6% unemployment rate for youth in the July–September, 2025 quarter, indicates persistent joblessness among young people even where general unemployment appears moderate.
Monthly Allowance Hike Under Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme
Source: Click Here
1. On 5^th February, 2026, the West Bengal Government announced a hike of ₹ 500 in the monthly allowance to the state’s women under its flagship Lakshmir Bhandar scheme.
2. Key Features -
  1. The Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme is a form of direct benefit transfer (DBT), whose benefits will be provided to women of General, OBC, SC and ST categories.
  2. The revised amounts shall be as follows:
    1. ₹ 1,500 per month for General/OBC women (revised from the earlier amount of ₹ 1,000 per month);
    2. ₹ 1,700 for SC/ST women (revised from the earlier amount of ₹ 1,200 per month).
  3. The transfer shall be 100% tax free and will be provided in addition to any other family income. The beneficiary shall not be required to return the amount.
  4. The standard date for the credit of the amount is between the 1^st and 7^th of every month. During festival months, the amount shall be credited at an earlier date.
3. Relevance -
  1. Regular cash transfers under the scheme have tangible impacts on women’s agency and household spending decisions. In a state-wide survey of 2024, 85.6% of beneficiary women reported feeling financially empowered by receiving the cash allowance and used it for family expenditures, children’s education, health and even personal needs.
  2. The State’s debt remains over 36.9% of GSDP and the 16^th Finance Commission has flagged that unconditional cash transfers like Lakshmir Bhandar now constitute over 20% of state subsidy expenditure. These act as a consumption floor for the poor, they risk crowding out capital expenditure, thus, the state’s tax revenue growth must outpace welfare hikes to avoid a long-term fiscal trap.

V. Kerala

Personal Accidental Death Assurance Scheme For Employees Of Private Establishments
Source: Click Here
1. On 10^th February, 2026, Kerala launched a personal accidental death assurance scheme for private sector workers to extend financial protection and social security.
2. The scheme aims to provide financial security to employees of private establishments in Kerala by ensuring compensation to their families in case of accidental death.
3. Key Features –
  1. The Comprehensive Health Insurance Agency of Kerala (CHIAK) and the Labour department will jointly implement a personal accidental death assurance scheme for employees of private establishments registered under the Wage Protection System (WPS).
  2. Under the policy, the family of a worker who dies in an accident whether at work or elsewhere receives a fixed financial assistance of ₹ 5 lakh as immediate support, paid in addition to any benefits available under the Workmen’s Compensation Act.
  3. Coverage extends to workers from private sector establishments registered under the Wage Security Scheme, which already encompasses a large number of firms and employees across the state.
  4. The scheme is designed to be widely accessible with minimal premium cost, requiring an annual contribution of ₹ 150 per worker, which aims to enable inclusion of approximately 25 lakh private sector workers under the safety net.
4. Relevance –
  1. Kerala accounts for nearly 10% of India’s total road accidents and records over 4,000 accident deaths annually, exposing thousands of private sector workers to financial vulnerability, especially in cases of transit or off-site fatalities not covered under conventional compensation laws. By guaranteeing a ₹ 5 lakh payout through Wage Protection System linkage regardless of where the accident occurs, the scheme fills this protection gap, ensures timely financial relief to families, and strengthens formal workforce registration in the state.
  2. Further, traditional compensation claims through labor courts can take years. By using CHIAK (the same agency that handles health insurance), the Government is creating a “Fast-Track Disbursement” model. Nominees only need to submit the death certificate, FIR, inheritance certificate, and scheme membership to the district office for a direct bank transfer, bypassing lengthy legal battles.

VI. Delhi

Delhi Food Security Rules, 2026
Source: Click Here
1. On 4^th February, 2026, the Government of Delhi issued the Delhi Food Security Rules, 2026, which will give preference to “priority households” and move beyond outdated methods of identifying and reaching to the poorest.
2. Key Features -
  1. The households which have an annual family income of ₹ 1.20 lakh will be eligible to be considered as a Priority Household.
  2. The Rules state that a Family Income Certificate from the Revenue Department is necessary to receive a Ration Card.
  3. The Rules also list the criteria under which a household will not be eligible to receive a Ration Card (exclusion category):
    1. If any member of the family holds a building/land;
    2. If any member of the family pays income tax;
    3. If a family member owns a personal vehicle (except a commercial vehicle needed to earn a livelihood);
    4. If the household is receiving food subsidy under any other scheme of the Central Government;
    5. If the household has electricity connection above 2 kW.
  4. For application of a ration card, the Rules state that the existing eldest female of the family will be treated as head of the household, provided that she is of 18 years of age.
  5. To avail the ration card, the rules list a set of documents which should be submitted:
    1. Aadhaar card of all family members;
    2. Proof of residence in Delhi if it is not mentioned in the Aadhaar Card;
    3. Family Income Certificate;
    4. Copy of Ration Card (if any other member has a ration card of any type);
    5. An undertaking that the applicant and the family members do not fall under the exclusion categories.
  6. The Rules mention district level committees in every district which will identify priority households. The scheme will be led by a District Magistrate/Additional District Magistrate and will also include MLAs, SDMs and other Assistant Commissioners.
  7. To address grievances, the Rules mention an Internal Grievance Redressal Mechanism at three levels, i.e., Circle level, District level, State level. The rules state that the complaints should be addressed and resolved in 15 days after being filed.
  8. Central Initiative Alignment - The rules are broadly anchored in the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, the foundational central legislation governing subsidised foodgrain distribution under the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS).
  9. Relevance -
    1. Periodic data verification in Delhi’s PDS has unearthed significant inclusion errors including thousands of ineligible beneficiaries such as those owning assets or with higher income and even 5,600+ Delhi Government employees erroneously on the beneficiary list. The new income verification and strict exclusion criteria institutionalise such reducing misuse and leakage.
    2. Delhi is already rolling out tech-based reforms in PDS operations, such as real-time monitoring via geo-fenced ePoS machines and command-centre oversight of 2,018 fair price shops serving over 72 lakh beneficiaries. Aligning the new Rules with such digital systems enhances verification and curb diversion, ultimately increasing the share of foodgrains reaching the intended priority households.
    3. For the first time, a Three-Tier Grievance System (Circle, District, State) has been mandated with a 15-day resolution deadline. If a beneficiary is denied ration due to technical glitches or dealer malpractice, they now have a time-bound path to appeal directly to the District Magistrate or the State Food Commission.

IV. Other Decisions

I. Rajasthan

Electricity Regulatory Commission (Electricity Supply Code And Connected Matters) (Amendment) Regulations, 2021
Source: Click Here
1. The Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission (RERC) through an order, approved the introduction of dual source electricity supply for high-tension (HT) and extra high tension (EHT) consumers.
2. The primary aim of the regulations is to enhance power reliability for power sensitive sectors like Data Centres, through access to two independent power sources.
3. Key Features -
  1. The regulations adds a definition of “Dual source of supply” in Section 31. The Section essentially defines Dual source of supply as “Electricity supply given from two sources with simultaneous / standby use of electricity from both sources.”
  2. Section 16 prescribes the conditions for the dual source of supply for HT/EHT consumers as follows:
    1. The dual source of supply with simultaneous use may be allowed.
    2. Such applicants shall be charged twice the fixed charges.
    3. The consumer shall provide a high degree of protection with their installation, ensuring no technical issue in using multiple supplies simultaneously.
  3. Section 29 provides an explanation of maintaining fixed charges for the dual use supply. The order notes that fixed charges are designed to recover capacity related costs incurred by distribution licensees.
4. Similar Initiatives In Other States - Dual use supply has been permitted in a number of states such as Haryana, Maharashtra (multiples sources of power), Uttar Pradesh (supply through independent feeders).
5. Relevance -
  1. The state has faced sizable shortfalls between peak electricity demand and local supply with demand surging to ~3,700 lakh units while generation remained at ~2,800 lakh units, and lower utilisation of thermal plants (55%–65% vs the ideal ~83%) contributing to grid stress and outages. By enabling HT/EHT consumers to access two independent power feeds, the regulation reduces operational risk from local grid shortfalls and fluctuations, thus improving resilience for power-sensitive industrial loads that cannot afford disruptions even during peak demand or maintenance events.
  2. Reliable power is a key determinant for industrial investment, especially in electricity-intensive and latency-sensitive sectors like data centres. Industry observers note that around 60%–70% of data centres in India are concentrated in regions with reliable electricity supply. By institutionalising dual sources of supply for HT/EHT consumers, Rajasthan enhances its competitiveness as a location for data centres and other high-load enterprises.
Second Amendment To Rajasthan Electricity Supply Code And Connected Matters, 2025
Source: Click Here
1. On 3^rd February, 2026, the Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission notified the second Amendment to the Electricity Supply Code and Connected Matters Regulation, 2025.
2. The Amendment aims to alter the rules governing recovery of dues from permanently disconnected consumers, timelines for the restoration of supply and connection charges for loads up to 150 kW.
3. Key Features -
  1. According to the Amendment, any outstanding dues of a permanently disconnected connection can now be recovered from a new connection by serving the owner a notice of 30 days.
  2. Disconnection/Recovery cannot be carried out until the speaking order has been issued.
  3. A new requirement states that an applicant applying for a reconnection will be considered as a new consumer after the expiry period of one year for HT/EHT consumers and two years for other consumers.
  4. A new Schedule 2A has been inserted which creates a standard connection charge slab for Low Tension (LT) consumers, and covers domestic, non-domestic and industrial consumers.
  5. The clause for LT consumers will not be applicable to certain categories:
    1. Colonies developed in plotted developments where pro-rata charges are being recovered.
    2. Multi-storey buildings whose electrification is mandatory.
    3. Private industrial areas where electrification is a must.
4. Relevance -
  1. Rajasthan’s electricity distribution companies continue to face significant financial stress with regulatory assets, approved but unrecovered deficits reaching approximately ₹ 49,800 crore and part of this sum around ₹ 6,701 crore targeted for recovery in FY 2025-26. These assets have prompted addition of regulatory surcharges to consumer bills to improve cash flows. By enabling the recovery of outstanding dues from permanently disconnected consumers through new or existing connections after a 30-day notice, the Amendment provides a regulated, enforceable mechanism to capture old liabilities that otherwise remain stranded helping discoms improve collections and reduce financial strain.
  2. Rajasthan’s discoms have been actively working to reduce aggregate technical and commercial (AT and C) losses, for example, Jaipur’s utilities brought losses down to ~14 % and Ajmer’s to ~9 % in FY 2024-25 but high losses still translate to revenue uncertainty and administrative burden. By introducing fixed timelines for reconnection and clearer liability rules, the Amendment helps reduce billing ambiguity and prolonged disputes,improving collection efficiency and supporting better financial performance of the discoms, aligning with the state’s broader loss-reduction efforts.

II. Karnataka

AI-based Social Media Analytics Solution (SMAS) To Tackle Misinformation
Source: Click Here
1. On 5^th February, 2026, the Karnataka cabinet approved an AI-based Social Media Analytics Solution (SMAS) at an estimated cost of ₹ 67.20 crore.
2. The aim of SMAS is to combat fake news and online threats, while simultaneously addressing the limitations of traditional monitoring of information.
3. Key features -
  1. SMAS will monitor social media sites (including Facebook, Instagram, Facebook, X) to monitor any news with the intent of spreading hate, misinformation or misleading content.
  2. The system shall identify online abuse, child trafficking, cyber threats and any other instance which may affect public order. The system shall also incorporate advanced deepfake identification tools to detect AI-generated manipulated audio, video, or images that may be used to mislead the public or incite unrest.
  3. SMAS shall enable criminal origin tracking, including tracing the source of coordinated misinformation campaigns, identifying repeat offenders, and mapping digital networks involved in unlawful activities.
  4. The system shall be deployed across all the districts of Karnataka and its implementation will be overseen by the State Home Department.
4. Relevance -
  1. The state has seen a significant surge in digital threats and cyber offences, with official data showing thousands of cybercrime cases and substantial financial losses. Karnataka registered 22,255 cybercrime cases in 2023, 22,478 in 2024, and 13,000 cases to date in 2025, resulting in an estimated ₹ 5,474 crore lost to cyber fraud over three years.
  2. The initiative comes amid continuing debates over how fake news and misinformation are defined in the state’s broader regulatory architecture where the proposed legislations such as Karnataka Misinformation and Fake News (Prohibition) Bill, 2025 have drawn criticism. The legitimacy of SMAS will heavily depend on underlying legal definitions and operational thresholds.
  3. Proposed measures such as the Karnataka Misinformation and Fake News (Prohibition) Bill, 2025,which contemplates stringent penalties, have raised concerns among free-speech advocates. In this context, AI systems could either introduce greater analytical neutrality or, if poorly governed, amplify enforcement asymmetries through opaque algorithmic flagging.

III. Arunachal Pradesh

Hydropower Expansion And Localisation Initiative
Source: Click Here
1. The Arunachal Pradesh Cabinet, approved a comprehensive set of policy decisions to push hydropower development in the state.
2. The decision is aimed at reviving existing projects through private investment in line with the state’s Decade of Hydropower vision (2025-2035).
3. Key Features –
  1. GST reimbursement concessions for the 1,200 MW Kala II project in Anjaw and the 680 MW Attunli project in Dibang Valley, involving a combined investment of approximately ₹ 21,700 crore.
  2. The projects are expected to generate around 458 crore units of free power and contribute nearly ₹ 84 crore to local area development funds, while creating substantial employment opportunities.
  3. Reserves 25% of Group A and B posts, 50% of Group C and D posts, and 25% of skilled and unskilled jobs for local communities.
  4. There will be time-bound compensation and relief and rehabilitation packages for project-affected families, positioning affected communities as long-term partners in hydropower development.
  5. To strengthen technical capacity, a one-time relaxation in recruitment rules for the post of Superintending Engineer Civil was cleared.
  6. Additionally, a Renovate–Own–Operate–Transfer policy for small hydropower projects was approved in alignment with the state’s Decade of Hydropower Vision 2025–2035.
4. Relevance –
  1. In 2023, Arunachal Pradesh undertook a strategic review of its hydropower portfolio and discontinued 44 projects aggregating 32,415 MW that had not progressed beyond the allotment stage, thereby rationalising a significant portion of the 46,943 MW development pipeline. The approval of full SGST reimbursement further addresses the viability gap by lowering the effective capital burden on a ₹ 21,700 crore investment, improving tariff competitiveness and bankability. These steps are expected to convert long-stalled power project allocations into financially viable, commission-ready assets.
  2. At the Pare Hydroelectric Project site in 2024, there were protests by the local committees for the recruitment of local candidates in the positions for which they are qualified. The mandate reserving 25% of Group A and B posts and 50% of Group C and D posts for Arunachalis directly addresses this structural gap by legally enforcing local hiring, reducing conflict risk, and embedding assured employment within the state’s hydropower expansion.

IV. Punjab

Proposed Amendment To Punjab Rooftop Solar Regulations, 2021
Source: Click Here
1. On 4^th February, 2026, the Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission under the Government of Punjab, announced revisions to the rooftop solar regulations.
2. The main aim of the third Amendment is to support greater adoption of solar technology, tackle obstacles and promote compliance with Renewable Purchase Obligation goals.
3. Key Provisions -
  1. The regulation introduces “Behind-the-Meter” or BTM in which a consumer is allowed to install an SPV system behind their meter, which will operate in parallel with the grid, but without net metering.
  2. “Eligible Consumer” has been clarified, which now means a consumer can install the plant in their premises or in any other location, either himself or through a Renewable Energy Service Company (RESCO).
  3. A new term of “Group Net Metering” has been inserted which is an arrangement where the excess energy exported to the grid, can be allotted to multiple service connections of the same consumer within the area of the DISCOM.
  4. These Regulations (according to Regulation 3.1) will be applicable to all Rooftop solar PV Systems which operate under:
    1. Net Metering Arrangement;
    2. Net Billing Arrangement;
    3. Group Net Metering Arrangement;
    4. Gross Metering Arrangement;
    5. Virtual Net Metering Arrangement;
    6. Behind the meter and operating in parallel with the distribution licensee’s grid.
  5. Eligible consumers are now allowed to participate in Net Metering and Group Net Metering arrangements on a feeder-wise ‘first come, first serve basis.’
  6. No processing fees will be recovered from a domestic category consumer for a Rooftop SPV system which is below a capacity of 10 kiloWatt peak.
  7. In the case of Group Net Metering (GNM) or Virtual Net Metering (VNM),the distribution licensee will upgrade the distribution system and the expenditure will be done by the participating consumer(s).
4. Similar Initiatives In Other States - Other states have also implemented similar steps of GNM, VNM and enhancing consumer eligibility such as Delhi, Odisha and Maharashtra.
5. Relevance -
  1. Punjab’s electricity demand has reached record levels in 2025, with peak load touching 16,836 MegaWatt during the summer and paddy season, reflecting heavy agricultural pumping and rising urban consumption pressures.
  2. Despite this high demand, rooftop solar penetration in the state remains relatively modest at around 500 MW installed capacity in 2025, indicating significant untapped decentralised generation potential. By enabling broader consumer eligibility and aggregation mechanisms, the amended regulations can support load decentralisation, reduce feeder congestion during daytime peaks, and lower marginal power procurement pressures on the state utility.
  3. Further, power purchase costs account for 61% of the state’s total revenue requirement. Rooftop solar to this effect is a fiscal hedge. Every unit generated on a rooftop reduces the state’s need to buy expensive “peak power” during the summer/paddy season, where spot prices often spike to ₹ 10–12 per unit.

V. Telangana

Telangana Electricity Regulation Commission (Licensee’s Duty For Supply Of Electricity On Request) Second Amendment Regulation, 2026
Source: Click Here
1. The Government of Telangana, on 5^th February, 2026 notified the Telangana Electricity Regulation Commission (Licensee’s Duty for Supply of Electricity on Request) Second Amendment Regulation, 2026.
2. The aim of the Regulation is to reduce costs for domestic electricity connections, especially in areas lacking existing power infrastructure.
3. Key Features -
  1. According to the Regulation, the consumers who seek new connections within a one-kilometre radius of an existing power line will be charged based on load.
  2. Instead of a distance based price, the commission has introduced a load based charge rate for different categories:
    1. LT-1: Domestic (₹500/- up to 1kWatt and ₹ 10,000 per kW above 20 kW);
    2. LT-2: Non-Domestic/Commercial (₹1000/- up to 1kW and ₹ 10,000 per kW above 20 kW);
    3. LT-3: Industries (₹ 10,000 per kW above 20 kW of contracted load);
    4. LT-4: Cottage Industries (₹ 1,000 per kW);
    5. LT-5: Agriculture (₹ 1,000 per kW).
4. Relevance -
  1. Telangana has emerged as one of India’s fastest-growing power-consuming states as the peak demand crossed 17,162 MW in 2025, reflecting sustained growth driven by domestic electrification, industrial expansion, lift irrigation projects, and IT-led urban growth. Therefore, a load-based structure improves predictability in connection costs and supports faster household electrification and small enterprise growth.
  2. The Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), with an outlay of ₹ 3.03 lakh crore (FY 2021–26), improves efficiency and financial sustainability of DISCOMs through smart metering and network upgrades. Under this framework, Telangana DISCOMs for FY 2025-26, submitted Detailed Project Reports (DRP) worth ₹ 9,308 crore. Shifting to a load-based connection charge structure modernises Telangana’s distribution network and improves revenue adequacy.
  3. Under the old system, charges for new electricity connections were distance-based, discoms prepared case-by-case estimates depending on the distance of a consumer’s premises from the nearest power line or infrastructure, resulting in high and unpredictable charges for households. The Regulation converts this into a predictable, load-linked fee and allows middle-class families to budget without fearing a “hidden” lakh-rupee electricity bill.

VI. Andhra Pradesh

Operational Guidelines For Andhra Pradesh’s Circular Economy Policy
Source: Click Here
1. On 5^th February, 2026, the Government of Andhra Pradesh issued guidelines to operationalise the Circular Economy and Waste Recycling Policy.
2. The Guidelines aim to translate the provisions of the policy into actionable procedures and standards for Government agencies, industrial units and other stakeholders.
3. Key Features -
  1. The Guidelines aim to operationalise 11 NITI Aayog streams related to industrial waste including plastics, e-waste, used oil, batteries, tyres, biomass, among others.
  2. Establishment of large scale circular economy parks in industrial corridors, which will host advanced processing, recycling and co-processing units with shared utilities and logistics.
  3. The Guidelines introduce industrial symbiosis, where outputs from one unit are repurposed as inputs for another, with the aim to reduce raw material and energy consumption and minimise waste sent to landfills.
  4. A State Circularity Cell will be the nodal unit for implementing the policy as well as coordinating between departments, monitoring compliance and issuing guidelines.
  5. The Guidelines are supported by a Circular Economy Performance Dashboard that will be integrated with Andhra Pradesh’s Real Time Governance System (RTGS) to track industrial waste flows, diversion rates and compliance in real time.
  6. The Guidelines also mentions features to promote industries:
    1. Green Star Rating Certification for Industries with fast track permits and incentives.
    2. Single Window Green Clearance Portal to reduce delays.
    3. Circular Innovation Platform to boost Research and Development and awards for innovative solutions.
    4. Comprehensive capacity building ecosystem through Self-Help Group (SHG) upskilling and statewide training programmes.
    5. Circular Economy in Corporate Social Responsibility to make waste reduction and resource recovery core to corporate citizenship.
4. Similar Initiatives In Other States - States like Tamil Nadu,, Karnataka and Odisha have introduced policies and programmes aimed at waste segregation, material recovery, plastic recycling, and sustainable industrial practices. These are essentially aimed at reducing landfill dependency, cutting carbon emissions, generating green employment, and moving towards achieving sustainable development goals.
5. Relevance -
  1. The industrial sector contributes approximately 23%–25% to the state’s Gross State Value Added (GSVA), with strong presence in pharmaceuticals in Visakhapatnam, bulk drugs, thermal power, food processing, metallurgical industries and cement clusters. High industrial concentration in resource and energy-intensive sectors leads to significant generation of fly ash, chemical sludge, plastic waste, construction debris and hazardous waste. Operationalising circular parks and industrial symbiosis is therefore structurally aligned with the state’s industrial profile, not merely an environmental reform.
  2. In Andhra Pradesh’s Visakhapatnam Medtech Zone, a dedicated ₹ 20 crore e-waste recycling facility has been set up to process medical and electronic waste using advanced technology, and serve neighboring states as well. Facility development for e-waste and other complex waste streams illustrates private sector engagement and technology adoption in circular waste management. The Guidelines extended producer responsibility alignment, and capacity building will help scale such infrastructure across other waste categories making the state recycling hub in southern India.
  3. It has been projected that effective circular economy implementation could add about ₹ 15,000 crore to Andhra Pradesh’s GSDP annually, supply raw materials worth ₹ 10,000 crore to manufacturing, generate ₹ 3,000 crore in GST revenue, and create 10 lakh direct jobs plus extensive indirect livelihoods in recycling, processing and logistics.

VII. Uttar Pradesh

Mandatory Permanent Account Number For Property Registration

Source: Click Here

Uttar Pradesh has made PAN mandatory for all property transactions, requiring both buyer and seller to provide valid PAN for registration.
The primary aim is to increase transparency and curb benami and illegal transactions, and enable better tracking of foreign-funded real estate deals.
Key Features –
1. Mandatory PAN for all parties including buyers and sellers must submit and verify their PAN cards at the time of property sale and registration, without this, the transaction cannot be registered.
2. The requirement covers sale and purchase of land, houses, flats and other immovable property across Uttar Pradesh’s sub-registrar offices.
3. Under the new rule, transactions cannot proceed using Form 60 as an alternative for individuals without PAN, increasing enforcement and eliminating loopholes previously used to hide identities.
Relevance –
1. The mandate directly responds to suspicious property purchases in Nepal-border districts, where investigations revealed foreign-linked funding flows into real estate assets. By linking PAN and Aadhaar biometric authentication to every registration, the state enables traceable financial trails for agencies to detect unlawful capital inflows and prevent asset-based influence building in sensitive border zones.
2. By shifting from document-based registration to verified identity authentication, the reform closes loopholes used for benami transactions, fake PAN usage, and tax evasion in high-value deals. The biometric verification of buyers, sellers, and witnesses strengthens title integrity, improves TDS compliance, and is expected to reduce impersonation fraud.
3. Furthermore, this requirement is a part of the broader Uttar Pradesh Online Document Registration Rules, 2024, which makes it mandatory for Aadhaar-based biometric authentication to curb fraud. By linking every deed to a verified biometric ID, the state is aiming to reduce litigation, as the “Executant” (the person signing the deed) can no longer claim in court that they were not physically present at the time of the transaction.

What You Should Know: Key Takeaways For The Fortnight:

Regulatory Tightening with Price and Compliance Signals
Madhya Pradesh doubled sand quarry base prices from ₹125 to ₹250 per cubic metre and introduced a Mine Developer-cum-Operator model, while Uttar Pradesh mandated PAN-linked property registration to curb benami transactions.
Export and Industrial Competitiveness Push
Uttar Pradesh cut ENA export fees to ₹0.50 per bulk litre and targets a larger share of the $1.83 trillion global alcohol market, while Maharashtra’s Third Mumbai policy prioritises FDI above ₹250 crore per 100 acres.
Institutionalised Startup Capital Formation
Chhattisgarh launched a ₹100 crore Startup Capital Fund and ₹50 crore Credit Risk Fund targeting 5,000 startups by 2030, while Haryana’s SIM aims to incubate 5,000+ startups and train 50,000 youth in emerging technologies.
DBT-Linked Social Protection at Scale
Bihar raised annual farmer assistance to ₹9,000 (₹6,000 PM-KISAN + ₹3,000 state top-up), injecting nearly ₹2,600 crore annually, while West Bengal’s ₹1,500 monthly allowance targets unemployed youth aged 21–40 for up to five years.
Climate, Urban and Sectoral Capacity Expansion
Tamil Nadu mandated a minimum 15% green cover across Urban Local Bodies, backed by GIS mapping, while Odisha released ₹18.07 crore to digitise 4,240 PACS under a unified cooperative ERP framework.

Taken together, the fortnight’s decisions indicate three structural patterns. First, states are formalising and digitising economic systems, whether through Odisha’s ₹18.07 crore ERP integration for 4,240 PACS, Karnataka’s ₹67.20 crore AI-based misinformation monitoring system, or Uttar Pradesh’s PAN-linked property registrations. Second, capital formation is being incentivised through calibrated fiscal tools: Chhattisgarh’s ₹100 crore Startup Capital Fund and ₹50 crore Credit Risk Fund, Tamil Nadu’s ₹15 crore Technical Textile Mission with 50% consultancy reimbursement, and Goa’s ₹2 crore annual charter incentive envelope. Third, welfare schemes are increasingly DBT-linked and eligibility-filtered, such as West Bengal’s ₹1,500 monthly youth allowance (five-year cap) and Odisha’s ₹51,000 marriage assistance tied to age and residency criteria.