India’s journey towards electrifying its villages and ensuring access to electricity for all is indeed commendable. Prime Minister Modi’s announcement to electrify the remaining 18,000 villages within 1000 days reflects a strong commitment towards addressing a fundamental need of the citizens. The transparency brought in by the availability of data through mobile apps and web dashboards is a significant step towards ensuring accountability and public participation in this mission. Reflecting on the challenges faced by the power sector in the past, such as the massive blackout in 2012 and the issues with coal availability, it’s evident that structural reforms were necessary. The turnaround from critical coal stock situations to ensuring adequate supply to all power plants showcases effective governance and strategic planning. The emphasis on clean energy alongside conventional sources is a forward-thinking approach. Setting ambitious targets for renewable energy, particularly solar, demonstrates a commitment to sustainability and mitigating the environmental impact of energy generation. Moreover, the focus on holistic improvements in the power sector, aiming for 24X7 power for all, is crucial for driving economic growth and improving the quality of life for citizens. The growth numbers in electricity production and coal output are promising indicators of progress. The transparent auctioning of coal blocks, ensuring that proceeds benefit the states, particularly less developed ones, highlights a commitment to equitable development and resource allocation.
Overall, the efforts undertaken by the Indian government in the power sector are commendable and reflect a vision for inclusive growth and sustainable development.
