India Unveils Key Policy Changes: EV Charging, GST Reforms, and Digital Governance Frameworks
India has seen a wave of significant government scheme and policy developments in the past 24 hours and the immediate preceding days, affecting electric mobility, taxation, digital governance, agriculture, and legal administration.
PM E-DRIVE Scheme Boosts EV Charging Infrastructure
The Centre has issued new operational guidelines for the rollout of nearly 72,300 public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across the country. This initiative falls under the larger Rs 10,900 crore PM E-DRIVE scheme, with an outlay of Rs 2,000 crore specifically for charging infrastructure. The Ministry of Heavy Industries has introduced a tiered subsidy structure to accelerate the installation of these stations. Government premises, residential colonies, hospitals, and educational institutions are eligible for a 100% subsidy on upstream infrastructure and EV charging equipment, provided they offer free public access. High-traffic public locations such as railway stations, airports, bus terminals, and metro stations will receive an 80% subsidy on upstream infrastructure costs and 70% on charging equipment. The scheme prioritizes deployment in cities with populations over one million, state capitals, smart cities, metro-linked satellite towns, and high-density transport corridors, with Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) designated as the Project Implementation Agency.
Major GST Reforms to Reduce Consumer Burden
Effective September 22, 2025, India has implemented its most significant Goods and Services Tax (GST) revamp since 2017, transitioning to a simplified two-tier tax system of 5% and 18% for the majority of goods and services. This reform, decided at the 56th GST Council meeting, aims to make taxation more transparent and easier to comply with. The changes are expected to result in a 13% saving on household grocery and daily essential bills, and approximately ā¹70,000 in savings for small car buyers. Stationery, clothing, footwear, and medicines will see savings in the range of 7-12%. Notably, individual health and life insurance policies are now exempt from GST, making premiums more affordable and transparent for policyholders. Ultra-luxury items will be taxed at 40%.
Impending Digital Governance Frameworks
The government is set to release crucial digital governance frameworks by September 28, 2025. These include the administrative rules for the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, a national AI governance framework, and rules for the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025. IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that the AI governance framework will define safety boundaries to protect citizens from AI-related harm and outline checks and balances, though it will not be prescriptive. The section of the framework concerning citizen safety will eventually be enacted into law. The DPDP rules will be followed by a comprehensive set of frequently asked questions, addressing concerns raised by various stakeholders, including press bodies. The online gaming rules aim to address issues of addiction and psychological impact from real money-based online games.
PM-KISAN Scheme Continues to Support Farmers
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme continues to provide vital financial assistance to farmers. Under this scheme, eligible farmers receive ā¹2,000 directly into their bank accounts every four months, totaling an annual assistance of ā¹6,000. So far, over ā¹390,000 crore has been transferred to farmers' accounts in 21 installments, highlighting its significant impact on their livelihoods.
Directives to Reduce Government Litigation
The Union government has decided against introducing a national litigation policy. Instead, it has issued "Directives for the efficient and effective management of litigation by the Government of India" to Union ministries, departments, and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). This move aims to reduce the number of court cases involving the government and its entities, shedding its image as the biggest litigant. The decision to use directives, rather than a policy, was made to ensure a sense of force in their implementation and avoid the complexities of Cabinet approvals for future amendments.
Haryana Government Expands Worker Welfare Schemes
The Haryana Chief Minister, Nayab Singh Saini, announced an expansion of welfare schemes for workers, including the widening of the Silicosis Rehabilitation Policy to cover other occupational diseases like asbestosis, byssinosis, and bagassosis. The state also launched the 'Shramik Saathi' mobile application, a one-stop digital platform for workers to register, track applications, access scheme information, and seek grievance redressal. New 'Shramik Suvidha Kendras' will also be established to provide single-window services for workers.