QuesIn a backdrop of Union Budget 2016-17 commitment towards sustainable development, discuss what policy

action are needed for it.

Source: http://www.livemint.com/Opinion/vDSOGr3SAzZeI2FLbyuEtM/Government-has-to-be-efficient-withits-resources.html
AnsThe Union budget strengthens Indias commitment towards sustainable development. But allocating funds
without action serves no purpose. Effective utilisation of funds, renewable energy facilitations,
developmental schemes and resource efficiency is needed to achieve the goal of sustainable development.
Effective Utilisation of funds
The Clean Environment Cess and National Clean Energy Fund (NCEF) have not been used effectively.
NCEF envisaged as a fund to promote research and development of clean energy technologies in the
country, very little of the corpus has been used for the purpose.
The funds could be used to promote clean coal technologies, pollution control equipment and super-critical
power plants. A clearer governance structure for how to use the funds effectively is essential.
Government has allocated about 10000 crore for scaling up renewable energy. Utilisation of these funds in
programme on energy storage, bio-fuels, National University of Renewable Energy and World Renewable
Museum would be in the direction of sustainable development.
Renewable Energy Facilitation
Three percent of the budget for Ministry for New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has been marked for
publicity and awareness generation, which is crucial if the government increasingly promotes rooftop solar
systems in residential and commercial buildings.
Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. to issue bonds could significantly boost financial inflow
into renewable energy. Exemption of solar lamps and improved cook stove from excise duty would lead to
savings of 12.5 percent on appliance cost, improving the affordability of decentralised renewable energy for
energy-deprived communities.
Role of Schemes
In order to reduce the adverse health impacts of chulha cooking, Government has launched Pradhan
Mantri Ujjawala Yojana (PMUY) targeting 15 million Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) connections to below
poverty line households.
Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) protects farmers from adverse impacts of the vagaries of
nature. With the rising risk of extreme climatic events, due to climate change, these initiatives are only the
first step towards adding a layer of protection to farming communities.
Resource Efficiency
Resource efficiency has to be the foundational mantra for any budgetary exercise. But India has to be
efficient with both financial as well as its natural resources. Programme design has to weave in appropriate
pricing of natural capital and resources to avoid distortions in energy, water and other markets, inefficient
resource use, deprivation of the poor, and the vulnerable facing the brunt of our collective resource
profligacy.
Conclusion
The funds, infrastructure, schemes are present at its place. With an effective utilisation of resources at hand
for infrastructure development through schemes, India can make a significant leap towards sustainable
development.