Energy Scenario in India

Energy is one of the most vital input in Production . It is said to be the Prime Mover of Economic Growth .

Energy Scenario in India is not very encouraging rather is in a very sorry state . India , with 17.5% world population on 2.8% of world land is very disadvantageously placed  not only in energy related but in all natural resource , accounts for 3.5% Global Energy Demand which placed India at 6^th position in World Energy Demand .Which is a grave cause of concern for nation regarding future development .

The two most worrying factor of Energy are Per Capita Energy Consumption and High power Intensity .

Today , Per Capita Income is not but the Per Capita Energy Consumption is the measure of economic growth . The more Per Capita Energy Consumption means more TV , Computer , Radio , Refrigerator , Air Conditioner , Cooler & other electric & electronic appliances which are the symbol of luxurious living standard of people of country . But after more than 65 years of Independence of country with the tag of 4^th largest economy of world , more than 400 million people & more than 1 lakh villages of India has no accessibility of electricity . This is a question mark on the development policy makers and on the implementers . At present , India being the 4^th largest economy in world , has 1/4^th of Global Average of Per Capita Energy Consumption . Regarding Per Capita Energy Consumption India is in the row of Bottom few countries which is matter of concern .

As for as Power Intensity ( Energy Consumption for Per Unit Production ) is concern , It is very high which clearly reflect the inefficient utilization of energy and production of country . This shows  , How inefficient production system is running in country .

The dependence of Energy on primary source like wood and coal base is growing due to increasing energy demand , lake of economic & viable technology to harass Renewable form of energy . The increasing amount of Non-Renewable form of energy will lead to increase in Green house gasses which will adversely affect the climate , environment , health etc . The climatic changes will affect the agriculture and agricultural production . This will lead to put question on food security for humanity as well as other economic production of nation also . This clearly show , How unmindful is the the approach of humanity towards nature and economic development .

Next , On the Consumption section , Residential sector is consuming 56% , Industry 24% , transport 9% and other sector is consuming 7% . There is no specific space for Agriculture which show the lack of irrigation policy in electricity sector .

On the other hand , The 67-70% population living in village is using less than 30%  and 30-33 %  population living in urban area is using 70% of electricity . This the scenario of urban – rural , rich – poor . This clearly reflects that Just , fair & equitable distribution of Energy is missing in country b/w sector of economy and sections of society .

Further , the ever widening gap of Energy Supply & Demand which has already reached to 12% of peak power defficit . This increasing gap of Energy Supply & Demand will make electricity costlier . Which futher will make transpotation and production more costlier . This will lead to unwearably high inflation in economy .

Keeping , the Low Per Capita Consumtion , High Power Intensity , Unfair , Unjust , Unequitable Distribution of power in economy and in society ,  in view GOI has to cover long way path to provide Affordable , Accessible , Just , Fair , Distribution of Power to the People of Country .

Rajani Kant Indra

Faculty of Law, Lucknow University, Lucknow

(Feb. 17, 2013)