Facilitating a Transition Away from Coal in India

Overview

The Indian government is currently trying to facilitate a shift from a conventional to an alternative energy base. However, while reducing our reliance on fossil fuels like coal, several challenging questions emerge: Who is bearing the brunt of this process that will inevitably induce structural shifts in the Indian economy? While this transition mentioned above sound promising on paper, in reality, would they prove to be just as promising for those on the lowest rungs of the socioeconomic ladder? Will the entire process be inclusive enough to ensure their distributive justice in terms of potential gains resulting from reduced electricity bills, improved environmental balance, and climatic conditions? This CUTS Discussion Paper deliberates upon these challenges.