Opinion

In green gear

02 Mar 2005 |

| The Hindustan Times

The Kyoto Protocol came into force on February 16. There had been a long period of wait for the entry into force for this hard-negotiated treaty concerning humankind. The Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change was adopted during the third Conference of the Parties in Kyoto, Japan, in December 1997.

Budget can create sustainable transportation

28 Feb 2005 |

Dr R K Pachauri

| The Economic Times

One of the disturbing aspects of the growth and liberalisation of Indian economy is the increasing imbalance between the proliferation of road vehicles and what would constitute an appropriately sustainable pattern of transportation.

How viable are gas pipelines across borders?

23 Feb 2005 |

Mr R K Batra

| The Economic Times

One of the main components of India's efforts in enhancing energy security is to maximise the production of domestic resources, while diversifying imports both with regard to the variety of fuels and their sources of supply. These will necessarily be at different prices and security levels. It is a through this prism that securing equity oil abroad and import of natural gas, by pipeline and as liquefied natural gas (LNG), need to be viewed.

Regulatory Impact Assessment: Useful tool for informed debate

01 Feb 2005 |

Ms Anjali Garg

| The Hindu Business Line

There are calls for a review of the Electricity Act 2003 yet again. The Act, passed by Parliament in June 2003, replaced all the existing legislation in the power sector and sought to bring about a qualitative transformation of the sector. It creates a liberal framework of development for the power sector by distancing the government from regulation.

The rationale for Corporate Social Responsibility in India

23 Dec 2004 |

Dr R K Pachauri

| The Financial Express

Gandhiji was a person who in several respects was ahead of his time. His view of the ownership of capital was one of trusteeship, motivated by the belief that essentially society was providing capitalists with an opportunity to manage resources that should really be seen as a form of trusteeship on behalf of society in general. Today, we are perhaps coming round full circle in emphasizing this concept through an articulation of the principle of social responsibility of business and industry.

India better at subways than New York? It's true

28 Nov 2004 |

| New York Daily News

When I moved to New Delhi, India's chaotic capital, I scarcely expected to find a model for urban transit from which New York could learn.

An integrated energy policy is imperative for growth

23 Nov 2004 |

Dr R K Pachauri

| Deccan Herald

Academician, visionary entrepreneur, doctorate in Economics and Industrial Engineering all rolled into one is Dr R K Pachauri, Director General of The Energy & Research Institute (TERI). Even as he is busy trying to develop cheaper and user-friendly technologies for rural masses, he has a huge task in convincing not just the government, industry but also rural masses in picking up and inculcating ideas, products and concepts in the area of renewable and sustainable energy. Under Dr Pachauri's leadership, TERI does original research and provides professional support in the areas of energy, environment, forestry, biotechnology, and conservation of natural resources to governments, institutions, and corporate organisations worldwide. Dr Pachauri discusses a variety of issues with Deccan Herald's Aditya Raj Das.

Give oil companies full freedom to set prices

15 Nov 2004 |

Mr R K Batra

| The Financial Express

In the Arabian Nights, there is a story of Sinbad the sailor carrying an old man on his back to cross a stream and then being unable to shake him off for days afterwards. The government seems to have got itself into a similar bind with regard to petrol and diesel prices.

Budget should reflect economic security

06 Jul 2004 |

Dr Leena Srivastava

| The Times of India

The Budget should leverage private investments in the infrastructure sectors through scarce public resources that are linked to social deliverables. For example, in meeting the target of 100% rural electrification, public resources should be used to bid for lowest subsidy demands. This would bring in private participation and efficiencies while providing energy to the poor. Regulatory Commissions should be strengthened to effectively monitor rural energisation programmes.

Power politics: no light at the end of the tunnel

04 Jun 2004 |

Dr R K Pachauri

| The Times of India

The country is fortunate to have a prime minister with the convictions of Manmohan Singh. As finance minister, he opted for policies which were in the national interest, even when they seemed heretical to some. He countered with great success opposition from vested interests. As the new government gets going, there is one particular issue on which Singh cannot compromise. His handling of it will send out a powerful signal in several other areas of economic policy. And this is putting an end to politicians promising free electricity to farmers.