Energy policy reform is a priority: Dharmendra Pradhan

NEW DELHI: A consensus is emerging among political parties against making promises of free energy as a populist promise ahead of elections, Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas of India, said at the India Economic Summit on Thursday.

Dharmendra Pradhan
Dharmendra Pradhan

The government, he said, is committed to implementing policy reform, creating market-friendly mechanisms and introducing transparency and competition into India’s energy sector.

“India is on a good trajectory,” Pradhan asserted, referring to the deregulation of the diesel and petrol markets two years ago, and the removal of the cooking gas subsidy from consumers above a certain income threshold.

The government’s efforts towards making policy changes to stimulate investment, assure returns, establish free-market mechanisms and introduce certainty will continue, he said adding that  the private sector must do its part by creating new business models that deliver enhanced production, better distribution and affordable access to energy.

Pradhan went on to say that gas would replace coal and, in addition to renewables and nuclear, form the basis for the provision of affordable, clean and quality energy.

The government is also determined to tap bio-energy — from forestry, agriculture and urban domestic waste — as it is a cheap, abundant and highly productive source of energy.

Speaking at the event, Tulsi Tanti, Chairman of Suzlon Energy, India, said India’s approach has to be guided by three principles — sustainable affordability, low-carbon footprint and energy security.

Related Stories

No stories found.
The New Indian Express
www.newindianexpress.com