Latest news with #Policy-2025
New Indian Express
6 days ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
Odisha govt to come up with operational guidelines for PSPs by July
BHUBANESWAR: In a major push to green energy generation, the state government is set to come out with operational guidelines for implementation of the Pump Storage Project (PSP) Policy-2025 by the end of this month. The PSP policy approved by the Odisha Cabinet last week stated that 45 projects identified by the state government will be allocated either through nomination basis, MoU route, competitive bidding or tariff-based competitive bidding (TBCB). On nomination basis, a PSP project will be allocated to central or state public sector undertakings or a joint venture company after due consideration of technical and financial capabilities to execute the projects. The state-run bulk power supplier GRIDCO has the first right to decide whether to procure the entire saleable power of the project at the time of allocation. The power tariff of the MoU project will be decided either by OERC or CERC. For projects allotted through competitive bidding (other than TBCB), the state will have the right of first refusal up to 80 per cent of the project capacity while in case of self-identified projects, it reserves the right of first refusal up to 20 per cent. After GRIDCO's refusal, the developers will be free to sell the power to any third party.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Centre revises coal sale policies to boost transparency, Telangana to benefit: Kishan
Hyderabad: Union coal minister G Kishan Reddy on Wednesday said the Centre is implementing a range of coal sale and distribution policies aimed at promoting fair trade, ease of doing business, and equitable coal allocation across industries. A revised SHAKTI (Scheme for Harnessing and Allocating Koyala Transparently in India) Policy-2025 now governs all new coal linkages in the power sector, he said. Responding to questions in the Lok Sabha from Warangal Congress MP Kadiyam Kavya, who sought clarity on Singareni Collieries Company Limited's coal sale policies for public and private sectors, the minister elaborated on the measures adopted to ensure transparency and equitable benefit for Telangana. Kishan Reddy said that SCCL follows several key policy frameworks, including the SHAKTI Policy, the non-regulated sector linkage auction policy, the new coal distribution policy, and the bridge linkage policy. You Can Also Check: Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad He told the House that these policies have boosted transparency, spurred industrial activity, created jobs, and significantly increased royalty and tax revenues—all contributing to Telangana's economic development.
Time of India
16-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Rajasthan Cabinet clears City Gas Distribution Policy-2025 to promote clean energy access
The Rajasthan Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, held a meeting on Monday at the Chief Minister's Office and approved several key decisions aimed at encouraging planned urban development, promoting medical tourism, advancing the energy sector including renewable energy, and enhancing employee welfare. A significant decision among these was the approval of the Rajasthan City Gas Distribution (CGD) Policy-2025, which seeks to strengthen the gas-based energy framework within the state. Minister Sumit Godara informed that the Rajasthan City Gas Distribution (CGD) Policy-2025 has been approved to promote a gas-based economy. The policy is designed to facilitate the supply of clean, safe, and environment-friendly natural gas to the general public while helping to reduce carbon emissions across the state. He stated that the implementation of this policy will lead to increased investment in the infrastructure for City Gas Distribution (CGD). It will also support the expansion of PNG (Piped Natural Gas) and CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) networks, particularly in small towns and urban areas that currently lack access to such facilities. To streamline the regulatory process, the policy introduces simplified and time-bound procedures for CGD companies. It focuses on easing the processes for obtaining permissions, land allocation, and government approvals required to set up and operate gas infrastructure in Rajasthan. By making these steps more efficient, the policy aims to remove bureaucratic delays and promote a more business-friendly environment for investors and energy companies. Single-window system in place As part of the implementation mechanism, the policy also mandates the development of a dedicated CGD portal. This digital platform will serve as a single-window system to manage all applications, track approval status, and provide necessary information to stakeholders. The portal is expected to improve transparency, accountability, and operational speed in handling CGD-related activities. The Rajasthan City Gas Distribution Policy-2025 will remain in effect until March 31, 2029, or until another policy is introduced to replace it. This five-year validity gives the government a framework for mid-term review and course correction, if needed. The policy supports the state's broader goal of transitioning to cleaner sources of energy and reducing its dependence on conventional fossil fuels. It is aligned with national-level objectives of expanding the use of natural gas in residential, industrial, and transportation sectors. By increasing access to natural gas, especially in regions previously underserved, the policy is expected to bring multiple benefits—environmental sustainability, public health improvements, and economic investment in energy infrastructure. In conclusion, the approval of the CGD Policy-2025 marks a step forward in Rajasthan's clean energy agenda. It creates a clear pathway for expanding natural gas infrastructure, simplifies processes for companies, and lays the groundwork for cleaner urban energy consumption across the state.
Time of India
28-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
State cabinet approves policy for implementing AI across different sectors
Bhubaneswar: The state cabinet on Wednesday approved a comprehensive Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy-2025, establishing the state as one of the pioneers in AI-driven governance and innovation in India. The landmark policy introduces the 'Odisha AI Mission' as its cornerstone initiative. Briefing media persons after the cabinet meeting, chief secretary Manoj Ahuja said efforts will be made to create infrastructure needed for promoting AI, besides skilling manpower. "Improvement of administration using AI and promoting AI startups will be among the govt's initiatives under the new policy," he said. The policy framework rests on four key pillars — AI infrastructure, skills development, energy sustainability, and regulatory mechanisms. It aims to accelerate the state's digital transformation while promoting responsible AI adoption across sectors. "The Odisha AI Mission will serve as the apex body for implementing AI initiatives across departments," said a statement issued by the electronics and IT department. The mission will operate through a two-tiered structure, comprising a high-level AI taskforce and an AI cell at the Odisha Computer Application Centre (OCAC). The policy identifies several priority sectors for AI implementation, including healthcare (AI-assisted disease prediction and screening), agriculture (smart irrigation and crop diagnostics), education (multilingual AI tools for personalised learning), disaster management (predictive response systems), and governance (intelligent citizen engagement platforms). Emphasising ethical AI deployment, the policy establishes robust data governance frameworks to prevent misuse and bias. It aligns with national and international standards for secure AI implementation. "This policy positions Odisha as a potential hub for AI-led public innovation and startups," a govt officer said, adding that it complements the objectives of the India AI Mission. State govt expects the policy to catalyse growth in the AI ecosystem, attracting investments and fostering industry-academia collaboration while promoting sustainable and inclusive technological development.
