Current Affairs - State

The Odisha government has introduced a ₹20,000 monthly pension scheme for individuals who were imprisoned during the Emergency period (1975-77) under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA). This pension also includes medical expense coverage for those eligible individuals who are alive as of January 1, 2025. Applications for this pension can be submitted to the Collector and District Magistrate, provided they include supporting detention documents and details of co-detainees.

Uttar Pradesh has decided to privatize Dakshinanchal and Purvanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam, which serve 21 districts each, to tackle power losses and infrastructure challenges. This move aims to enhance operational efficiency and boost renewable energy transmission. By adopting a private-public partnership model, Uttar Pradesh follows successful examples in states like Delhi and Odisha, where similar measures have led to significant improvements in power distribution and efficiency.

Odisha has become the state to 34th implement the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), aligning it with the state's own Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana. This scheme provides ₹5 lakh annual health coverage per family, with an additional ₹5 lakh for women. Covering 45% of India's population, AB PM-JAY offers 2,000 medical procedures in over 29,000 empanelled hospitals, making it one of the largest health initiatives globally and a significant step in ensuring healthcare accessibility for Odisha's citizens.

Uttar Pradesh is planning to privatize two of its power distribution companies, Dakshinanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam and Purvanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam, in an effort to improve efficiency and reduce power losses. The state government has issued a tender to appoint consultants for the privatization process. This move is part of a broader strategy to address power sector challenges in the state, although it has sparked political debate, particularly regarding potential increases in electricity tariffs and concerns over job losses.

The Adani Group has announced a significant ₹75,000 crore investment in Chhattisgarh, focusing on expanding energy and cement capacities. Of this, ₹60,000 crore is allocated to increase power generation by 6,120 MW in Raipur, Korba, and Raigarh, bolstering the state’s energy sector. An additional ₹5,000 crore will be invested to enhance cement production. Furthermore, ₹10,000 crore will be directed towards CSR initiatives in education, healthcare, and skill development. These investments aim to drive Chhattisgarh’s industrial growth and contribute to its holistic development, positioning the state as a key player in India’s economic landscape.