Policy evaluation of the jawaharlal nehru solar mission: an initiative of government of India

The rays of the sun can provide more than enough energy throughout the year to fulfil the global energy needs. Despite of being capable of producing tonnes of solar energy, India could not imagine its potential until Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh made efforts and emphasised on one of the eight National Mission’s under National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) and released ‘Jawaharlal Nehru Solar Mission (JNNSM)’ in 2008 to promote ecological sustainable growth locally and join in the global effort on climate change (http://mnre.gov.in/file-manager/UserFiles/draft-jnnsmpd-2.pdf). As stated by Dr. Manmohan Singh, the vision is to make India’s economic development energy-efficient. A graduated shift from economic activity based on fossil fuels to one based on non-fossil fuels and from reliance on non-renewable and depleting sources of energy to renewable sources of energy (www.mnre.gov.in/file-manager/UserFiles/mission_document_JNNSM.pdf). The paper has attempted to evaluate India’s plan of action behind zero emissions- environment friendly energy generation scheme to become a part of the global change, and to increase their bargaining power in international negotiations (www.reuters.com/article/idUSDEL104230). The result shows that the JNNSM has been a proactive attempt of the Indian government to harness solar energy. After two successful phases, the mission is all set to enter the third phase. Indeed, the mission would be a success seeing the current pattern of negotiations both on the national and international level. India has set an example for all the developing countries by taking a headstrong initiative and showing its concern towards climate change.