Government has approved amendments in tariff policy for providing specific exemptions in the hydro power and transmission sectors. A press released issued after the cabinet meeting says that the exemptions will be on the mandatory tariff based competitive bidding which came into effect from 6th of January this year. The Cabinet also approved proposal to provide a level playing field to state controlled hydro projects and the private sector developers for sale of power. The other highlights of amendments are exemption to all hydro electric projects from the mandatory competitive bidding till 31st December, 2015 subject to fulfillment of certain conditions. Exemption will also be given to the intra-state transmission sector from the mandatory competitive bidding for another two years i.e. upto 5th of January, 2013.