States Weekly: September 17, 2025

Newsletter by Aryan D'Rozario

Published September 17, 2025

Big News: Andhra Pradesh approves APERC (Battery Energy Storage Systems) Regulations, 2025; Madhya Pradesh approves Motor Vehicle Tax Rebate; Karnataka approves the Karnataka State Bio-Diesel (B-100) Blending with High-Speed Diesel for Transportation Purposes (Licensing) Order, 2025; Odisha releases the Odisha Electric Vehicle Policy 2025; Gujarat passes the Gujarat Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025; and more.

Health 

Gujarat passes The Gujarat Medical Practitioners (Amendment) Bill, 2025. The bill aims to streamline and ensure proper maintenance of the registration process for Ayurvedic and Unani practitioners and updating terminology in accordance with central government legislation.

Source: Desh Gujarat

In detail: The Gujarat Medical Practitioners (Amendment) Bill, 2025

Climate Change and Energy

Andhra Pradesh approves APERC (Battery Energy Storage Systems) Regulations, 2025. The regulations issued by Andhra Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (APERC) are designed to create a flexible and stable electricity grid while supporting the goals of the Andhra Pradesh Integrated Clean Energy Policy, 2024. The regulations provide a clear structure for the ownership, deployment, and operation of battery storage systems across the power sector.

Source: Solar Quarter

In detail: Regulation for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)

Uttar Pradesh issues UPERC Order on the Uttar Pradesh Power Transmission Corporation Limited. The order, issued by the Uttar Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission sets out the framework for tariffs and revenue requirements for the state's power transmission corporation. A key focus of this framework is the integration and promotion of solar energy within the state's electricity grid.

Source: Solar Quarter

In detail: Order

Maharashtra reinforces "No PUC, No Fuel" Policy. In a bid to curb vehicular pollution, the state will now strictly enforce rules for all vehicles to have a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate to refuel at gas stations in the state.

Source: Free Press Journal

Chhattisgarh amends its Solar Energy Policy. The new amendments aim to reduce dependence on conventional energy sources and promote renewable energy.

Source: Press Trust of India

In detail: Cabinet Decision

Karnataka approves the Karnataka State Bio-Diesel (B-100) Blending with High-Speed Diesel for Transportation Purposes (Licensing) Order, 2025. The new order introduces a regulatory framework for the production, sale, and blending of biodiesel in the state. As per regulations, up to seven percent biodiesel blending will be allowed.

Source: Indian Express

Madhya Pradesh approves Motor Vehicle Tax Rebate. The 50 percent tax rebate applies on new non-transport and new transport vehicles registered against a Certificate of Deposit issued for scrapping old pollution-emitting vehicles.

Source: New Indian Express

In detail: Press Release

Tamil Nadu approves the Center's Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facility (RVSF) Scheme. The approval paves the way for the establishment of registered vehicle scrapping facilities (RVSF) across the state. The Commissionerate of Transport and Road Safety has invited applications from companies and individuals to set up these centers to help in deregistration and scrapping of government vehicles older than 15 years.

Source: New Indian Express

Finance

No critical news to report this week.

Industrial Policy and Business Regulations 

Odisha releases the Odisha Electric Vehicle Policy, 2025. The policy introduces financial incentives of up to $22,995 (INR 20 lakh) for buyers of electric vehicles across categories. The policy, valid until December 31, 2030, seeks to accelerate EV adoption, boost employment, and align the state with India's broader decarbonization roadmap.

Source: Odisha TV

In detail: Odisha Electric Vehicle Policy, 2025

Gujarat passes the Gujarat Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025. The bill decriminalizes 516 provisions of 11 laws across various government departments. The rationalizations of these penalties aim to promote business and citizen-friendly governance, replace fines with penalties based on the severity of crimes, reduce the burden on the judicial system, and empower businesses through much needed legal reforms.

Source: Times of India

In detail: Gujarat Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025

Kerala approves the draft Kerala Societies Registration Bill - 2025. The bill will replace the Travancore-Cochin Literary, Scientific and Charitable Societies Act (Act 12 of 1955) and the Societies Registration Act of 1860 (Central Act 21 of 1860) applicable in the Malabar region, for societies registering in Kerala. The bill aims to streamline society registrations by superseding outdated regulations from the 1955 and 1860 laws.

Source: Times of India

In detail: Kerala Societies Registration Bill - 2025

Land Acquisition and Labor Regulations 

Goa releases draft Goa Land Revenue (Disposal of Government Land) (Amendment) Rules, 2025. The new rules will apply to houses on government land. However, beneficiaries will not be able to sell or transfer the land, or any portion of it, until 20 years have passed from the date of regularization, and subject to the state's approval.

Source: Times of India

In detail: Goa Land Revenue (Disposal Of Govt Land) (Amendment) Rules, 2025 Draft

Infrastructure and Governance

Karnataka issues rules for Occupancy Certificates (OC). The state issues an order exempting buildings constructed on plots measuring up to 1,200 square feet (first floor plus two upper floors, or stilt plus three floors) within the jurisdiction of the Greater Bengaluru Authority from the requirement of obtaining an Occupancy Certificate.

Source: The Hindu

Arunachal Pradesh releases Key Policies. The draft Arunachal Pradesh Urban and Country Planning (Amendment) Bill, 2025 aims to regulate rapid urbanization and provide a legal framework for town planning schemes and land pooling. The Arunachal Pradesh Municipal (Control on Advertisement) Regulations, 2025, aims to regulate outdoor advertising and balance commercial interests with urban aesthetics. The state also approved amendments to The Arunachal Pradesh (Land Settlement and Records) Rules, 2012, paving the way for allotment of government land on lease for agriculture, residential, commercial, industrial, and public utility purposes. Lease tenures will be up to 50 years, and extendable for another 49 years.

Source: Sentinel Assam

In detail: Press Release

Goa approves the Goa State Logistic and Warehousing Incentive Scheme 2025. The scheme aims to ensure seamless industrial operations, cost-efficient transportation, and speedier delivery of goods. It promises fiscal incentives to eligible logistics and warehousing entities, entitling them to receive USD 56 (INR 5,000) as a skill development subsidy per Goan worker, up to 1,000 workers per year.

Source: Times of India

Kerala releases new Urban Vision Policy. The 25-year policy aims to turn Kerala's cities into specialized growth centers, linking economic development with local strengths while ensuring a fair distribution of resources. Key proposals include social audits for urban local bodies, creation of city-level business development councils, five economic growth hubs across the state, urban observatories in every city, and revenue mobilization through digital tax systems, green bonds, and diaspora contributions.

Source: India Today

In detail: Kerala Urban Conclave 2025

Water and Sanitation

Odisha issues new Pipeline Guidelines. The new guidelines prohibit any organization from laying pipelines arbitrarily across rivers, reservoirs, or water bodies. As per the new rules, entities must now secure a Water Body Crossing Permission before initiating any such work. The move comes amid concerns over unregulated pipeline activities and their potential impact on water resources.

Source: Odisha TV

Center - State Relations 

Nothing critical to report this week.

Any Other

Telangana issue new Vehicular Safety Rules. The new guidelines make reflectors, reflective tapes, and rear marking plates mandatory on all vehicles to improve night-time visibility and curb accidents involving parked or slow-moving heavy vehicles. The order covers two-wheelers, three-wheelers, goods carriers of all categories, passenger vehicles such as taxis and buses, tractors, trailers, construction equipment and modular hydraulic trailers.

Source: Deccan Chronicle

Programs & Projects