India: Power Minister instructs all CMs and LGs to set up State Level Steering Committees for Energy Transition

New Delhi: Power Minister R. K. Singh has asked the Chief Ministers of all States and Lieutenant Governors of Union Territories to set up State Level Steering Committees for Energy Transition.

These Steering Committees will work under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretaries of the States and Union Territories. The Principal Secretaries of Power and New and Renewable Energy Departments, Transport, Industries, Housing and Urban Affairs, Agriculture, Rural Development and Public Works Departments will act as members of these Committees. The States and Union Territories will work on the annual strategy of energy transition under the mandate of the committee.

Mr Singh reiterated that States and UTs have a vital role in meeting state-specific goals on sustainable development in the most energy-efficient way. He added that the energy transition is the only means of reducing carbon emissions and fulfilling our commitments made at international forums. The Minister informed that some states like Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttarakhand have already constituted such committees.

Mr Singh highlighted that for energy transition, the States and Union Territories have to work together on multiple tracks. He urged the States to make efforts for zero diesel in agriculture by 2024 by limiting the consumption of diesel in the agriculture sector.