Tag: government policy

National

New Laws to Expand Maternity Benefits, Paid Leave for Fathers

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Intern Rency Gomes, Team Allycaral National Desk

The government has approved sweeping legislative changes aimed at strengthening parental rights and workplace protections, Labour Minister Leroy Baptiste announced. The Cabinet has cleared amendments to the Maternity Protection Act and the Retrenchment and Severance Benefits Act, marking a significant shift in labour policy to reflect evolving family structures and caregiving responsibilities.

According to the minister, the amendments will broaden paid leave entitlements beyond mothers to include fathers and adoptive parents, promoting shared parenting and greater gender balance in caregiving roles. This expansion is seen as a major step towards more inclusive and family-friendly workplace policies.

The reforms also remove several long-standing restrictions on maternity benefits that have been criticised by workers’ unions and labour rights advocates for years. These changes aim to ensure that women are better protected during pregnancy and after childbirth, without facing unnecessary employment barriers.

Once enacted, the revised laws are expected to enhance job security, improve work-life balance, and provide stronger protections for parents during and after childbirth or adoption. The government says the measures reaffirm its commitment to progressive labour reforms that support families, promote equality in the workplace, and adapt employment laws to contemporary social realities.

Automobiles

UP Leads the Charge: First State to Subsidize Upstream Infra for EV Charging Stations

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In a landmark move set to boost electric mobility, Uttar Pradesh has emerged as the first Indian state to offer subsidies specifically for upstream infrastructure in EV charging stations. This forward-looking policy is designed to overcome one of the key bottlenecks in EV infrastructure development—expensive power supply connections and grid upgrades.

What is Upstream Infrastructure?

Upstream infrastructure includes essential elements like power transformers, electricity substations, and high-tension cable connections—critical to ensuring sufficient power supply for fast-charging EV stations. These components often involve significant capital expenditure, deterring many private players from entering the EV charging space.

What the Policy Offers

Under the new initiative, the Uttar Pradesh government will provide financial support for infrastructure components required to connect EV charging stations to the grid. This includes subsidies for:

  • Transformer installations
  • HT/LT cabling
  • Substation augmentation
  • Grid connectivity fees

The state aims to reduce the setup cost of EV charging stations by up to 30%, making it more attractive for businesses and investors.

Driving EV Growth in India’s Most Populous State

With this move, Uttar Pradesh reinforces its commitment to green mobility and positions itself as a national leader in EV infrastructure. The state already has a dedicated EV policy with incentives for vehicle buyers, manufacturers, and battery developers. This new subsidy expands the support ecosystem to include infrastructure developers.

What This Means for the EV Ecosystem

The decision is expected to:

  • Accelerate the deployment of public and private EV charging stations
  • Encourage more entrepreneurs and energy companies to invest in UP
  • Help achieve the state’s EV policy targets, which include making 100% of new public transport electric in major cities by 2030

Industry Reactions

EV and infrastructure companies have welcomed the announcement. Experts believe that UP’s model could serve as a blueprint for other states, as the lack of upstream infra funding has been a common hurdle across India.

Human Interest

Govt to Enforce Default AC Temperature Settings Between 20°C and 28°C to Cut Energy Use

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New Delhi, June 11, 2025 — Say goodbye to bone-chilling air-conditioned rooms! In a significant move aimed at promoting energy efficiency and healthier living environments, the Indian government is preparing to implement a regulation that will enforce a default temperature range for air conditioners — between 20°C and 28°C.

The proposed rule, expected to be rolled out nationwide in phases, will apply to both residential and commercial buildings, including offices, malls, and public spaces. The policy is part of India’s broader energy conservation efforts and aligns with its commitment to sustainable development and climate responsibility.

Under the new guideline, AC manufacturers and suppliers will be required to set default temperature settings within the 20°C–28°C range. While users will still be able to adjust the settings manually, the idea is to nudge consumers toward more energy-conscious behavior.

According to government sources, excessive cooling not only leads to unnecessary power consumption but also contributes to higher electricity bills and respiratory discomfort due to drastic temperature shifts.

“This initiative is designed to encourage mindful use of air conditioning and reduce the carbon footprint associated with excessive cooling,” said a senior official at the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE).

  • Energy Savings: Reducing the load on air conditioners by even 1°C can result in savings of up to 6% in energy consumption.
  • Lower Power Bills: Households and businesses can expect noticeable reductions in monthly electricity expenses.
  • Healthier Indoors: Moderating indoor temperatures helps maintain humidity levels and reduces the risk of respiratory and skin problems.
  • Climate Impact: Lower electricity usage directly contributes to lower greenhouse gas emissions.

While environmental advocates and energy experts have welcomed the policy, some consumers and business owners have expressed concerns over personal comfort and flexibility.

However, the government clarified that the policy does not ban colder settings — it simply changes the default range to encourage sustainable usage. The initiative is also expected to raise awareness about eco-friendly cooling practices and the importance of energy conservation.

India’s move mirrors similar strategies adopted in countries like Japan and Singapore, where default temperature regulations have led to measurable reductions in energy consumption without compromising comfort.


As summer temperatures continue to rise, this policy shift could play a vital role in building climate-conscious habits and making everyday spaces more sustainable. Whether you’re at home, in the office, or shopping at a mall, expect a cooler — but not freezing — future ahead.