Author: Neel Achary

Major Industrial Investments Approved in Odisha, Boosting Jobs and Regional Growth

Odisha Clears ₹4,510 Crore Industrial Push to Drive Jobs, Regional Development, and Sectoral Growth

Pic Credit: Pexel

In a significant move to accelerate industrialization and create large-scale employment, the Odisha government has approved a diverse portfolio of investment projects across the state. The proposals, cleared at the latest meeting of the State Level Single Window Clearance Authority, represent a combined investment of ₹4,510 crore and are expected to generate over 10,000 jobs in 11 districts.

At the forefront of this industrial expansion is Century Plyboards (India) Ltd, which plans to establish a major plywood manufacturing facility in Koraput district. With an investment of ₹870.82 crore, the project is poised to strengthen the wood-based manufacturing ecosystem while also creating employment opportunities in one of the state’s relatively underdeveloped regions.

Complementing this, Pidilite Industries will set up a tile adhesive manufacturing unit in Balasore. Known for its leadership in construction chemicals and adhesives, the company’s investment is expected to support the growing infrastructure and housing demand in eastern India.

In the services and technology domain, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) is set to establish a technology center in Khordha with an investment of ₹60 crore. This project highlights Odisha’s emerging position as a destination for knowledge-based industries and is likely to generate high-skilled employment opportunities.

The approved projects reflect a deliberate strategy by the state government to ensure balanced regional development. Districts such as Koraput, Kalahandi, and Balangir—traditionally considered economically lagging—have received focused attention in this round of approvals. The initiative aligns with the government’s broader vision to distribute industrial growth more evenly across the state.

Beyond these headline investments, the approvals span a wide range of sectors. In textiles, new ventures in weaving and technical fabrics are expected to boost manufacturing capabilities. The pharmaceuticals and medical devices sector will see fresh investments aimed at strengthening healthcare infrastructure and production capacity.

The metals and mining sector continues to attract strong interest, with multiple projects in steel and aluminum processing lined up in districts like Cuttack, Sundargarh, and Keonjhar. Meanwhile, green energy initiatives and chemical manufacturing projects, including a sulphuric acid plant and ethanol production unit, signal a push toward both industrial sustainability and value-added production.

Infrastructure development also forms a key part of the investment landscape. A logistics park in Sambalpur will enhance supply chain efficiency, while several new hospitality projects—including star-category hotels in Koraput, Bolangir, Bhubaneswar, and Puri—are expected to boost tourism and related services.

Overall, the latest round of approvals underscores Odisha’s growing attractiveness as an investment destination. With a mix of manufacturing, services, and infrastructure projects, the state is positioning itself for long-term economic resilience. By combining large-scale investments with a focus on regional inclusivity and employment generation, Odisha is taking a decisive step toward becoming a more balanced and industrially robust economy.

Air India Express Wins Grand Prix and Two Silvers at Spikes Asia 2026 for ‘Inglish Dictionary’ Campaign

Mar 18: Air India Express has brought home one of the region’s highest creative honours, winning a Grand Prix and two Silvers at the Spikes Asia Awards 2026 for its culturally iconic ‘Inglish Dictionary’ campaign, created in partnership with Juice (an Omnicom Group Company, and a division of TBWA).

 Recognised as the Asia-Pacific counterpart of the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, Spikes Asia celebrates transformative creativity that shapes culture and pushes boundaries. This makes the wins even more meaningful for a campaign rooted deeply in India’s linguistic identity.

A playful yet profound tribute to the vibrant, ever-evolving English spoken across the subcontinent, the Inglish Dictionary reimagines local expressions that have become staples of India’s everyday conversations. With its witty definitions and visually stunning Sohrai-inspired design language, the Inglish Dictionary struck a chord across demographics, garnering over 25 million downloads and digital impressions within months of being launched.

The work continues its global momentum after making waves at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity 2025, where it competed across categories such as Social Behaviour, Culture Engagement, Publication & Editorial Design, Books, Illustration, Copywriting and Art Direction.

The recognition at Spikes Asia adds to the campaign’s growing list of global creative honours. The work previously won two Baby Elephants and one Blue Elephant at the Kyoorius Design Awards 2025, and a Gold for Copywriting and three Bronze Awards for Illustration Design, Writing for Design and Art Direction at The Drum Awards 2025. It has also been recognised by The One Club for Creativity (ONE Asia) 2025.

Together, these recognitions reinforce Air India Express’ positioning as India’s most culturally engaged airline, celebrating authenticity, individuality, and the many ways India expresses itself.

On the concept and success of the campaign, Siddhartha Butalia, Chief Marketing Officer, Air India Express, said,

 “The Inglish Dictionary is a cultural project curated as an extension of our brand proposition – celebrating diversity and inclusivity while reinforcing the spirit of exploration intrinsic to travel. The creative rendition incorporates indigenous art to bring to life the quirks of local linguistics. That it has captured the imagination of so many, reaffirms the belief that a distinctive expression of identity is a powerful differentiator juxtaposed against the mundaneness of conformity and prescriptive protocol.”

Reflecting on the creative journey, Russell Barrett, Chief Creative Experience Officer, Juice (an Omnicom Group Company, and a division of TBWA) said,

“The response to the Inglish Dictionary has been overwhelming and deeply affirming. It proves that when a brand speaks the language of its audience, the message resonates far more powerfully. The idea was to create something personal, playful, and instantly familiar, bringing people across the country together through a shared way of speaking.”

Over the years, a multitude of Indian words have found their way into English dictionaries. They can be found lounging in their ‘pyjamas’ on ‘verandas’ of ‘bungalows’, sipping fruit ‘punch’ while chomping down a ‘chutney’ sandwich. But the Inglish dictionary is about the words that we have made distinctly ours. The kind that captures not just how we speak but how we think and live. Like “biscoot”, Biscuit’s chaotic desi cousin that disintegrates into a hot cup of tea when you least expect it or “one-by-two”, our ingenious way of sharing food at restaurants to magically split one dish and turn it into two. There’s “Foreign Return”, our label for non-resident Indians who return to the country, and “time pass” – anything done just to kill time. This dictionary is a guide to the nuances of the language spoken by the second-largest English-speaking nation in the world, transforming familiar words and phrases into a celebration of identity, humour and heritage.

Printed as a limited-edition hardback collectible, the digital version of the Inglish Dictionary is available free on www.airindiaexpress.com/inglish-dictionary, inviting all Indians, international travellers, diaspora and Indophiles – to rediscover language, not as a tool of precision, but as an expression of play, people, and pride.

Coal capacity and pricing mechanisms help buffer short-term market impacts

LONDON/HOUSTON/SINGAPORE, 18 March – The Middle East conflict is reinforcing energy security as a central pillar of power planning in Japan and South Korea, with coal generation providing a significant near-term buffer. During the current shoulder season, coal fleets could offset up to 70% of gas-fired generation in Japan and more than 100% in South Korea of the same season last year, according to new analysis from Wood Mackenzie. 

While both markets remain relatively insulated from immediate fuel supply disruption, the crisis is accelerating structural shifts toward nuclear expansion, slower coal retirements and the localisation of clean energy supply chains.  

Limited short-term exposure to LNG disruption 

Unlike many Asia-Pacific markets, Japan and South Korea face manageable near-term risk from potential LNG supply disruption through the Qatar–UAE corridor. According to Wood Mackenzie, Japan’s direct exposure to the disruption is around 6%, compared with approximately 15% for South Korea. 

“Diversified procurement and long-term contracts provide Japan and South Korea with multiple layers of protection, delaying the impact of fuel price volatility on power end users,” said Xiaonan Feng, principal analyst, Asia Pacific power and renewables research at Wood Mackenzie. “However, the broader policy implications of the crisis are likely to be long-lasting.” 

In Japan, fuel cost pass-through is delayed by around three to six months due to bilateral pricing mechanisms. In South Korea, the cost-based power pool and retail tariff caps help limit short-term volatility, although this places additional financial strain on Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO). 

Coal provides critical system flexibility 

During the current shoulder season, coal fleets could offset up to 70% of Japan’s and more than 100% of South Korea’s gas-fired generation based on 2025 levels, if utilisation rates increase significantly. This flexibility, however, is seasonal and would decline during peak summer months when coal plants are already operating at higher capacity. 

“Coal continues to play an important role as a strategic reserve for both countries, particularly during periods of fuel market stress,” Feng said. 

Japan’s position is further supported by the restart of five nuclear reactors since 2022, adding 4.6 GW of baseload capacity that is insulated from fossil fuel price volatility. 

Nuclear policy momentum strengthens  

In Japan, the transition from post-Fukushima nuclear minimisation to expansion is now firmly established, making nuclear power an essential for long-term energy security. This policy shift is expected to provide stable electricity to meet rising demand, particularly from data centres, and reduce reliance on fossil fuel imports. Similarly, in South Korea, nuclear power continues to gain policy and public support. The government has identified nuclear as critical to meeting future electricity demand, with the potential for additional capacity beyond current plans. Decisions on lifetime extensions for approximately 7.8 GW of reactors due to reach design limits by 2030 will be key to the country’s energy mix, according to Wood Mackenzie. 

Renewables strategy shifts toward localisation 

At the same time, both markets are increasingly prioritising domestic supply chains within their energy transition strategies. Japan is reassessing its reliance on imported solar panels while focusing on next-generation technologies such as perovskite cells and expanding offshore wind capacity. South Korea has already moved to favour domestically manufactured equipment in recent offshore wind and battery storage auctions, signalling a shift toward localisation over lowest-cost deployment. 

Outlook is dependent on the duration of the disruption 

The extent of market impact will depend on the duration of the conflict, Wood Mackenzie noted. If disruptions persist into peak summer demand, the effectiveness of coal as a buffer will diminish, increasing exposure to tighter supply conditions. 

A stronger US dollar could also amplify cost pressures by increasing fuel import costs in local currency terms. 

“The immediate risks are manageable, but the long-term direction is clear,” Feng concluded. “Energy security considerations will continue to accelerate nuclear expansion, delay coal retirements and drive greater emphasis on domestic energy supply chains in both markets.” 

Austrian Cultural Forum and Austrian Embassy New Delhi present Special International Women’s Day Screening of Mehrunisa by Sandeep Kumar

To mark International Women’s Day, the Austrian Cultural Forum and the Embassy of Austria in New Delhi, in collaboration with six Austrian Honorary Consulates across India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal and Sri Lanka, are organizing special screenings of the award–winning film Mehrunisa, directed by Austrian filmmaker of Indian origin Sandeep Kumar. The screenings will be hosted at venues provided by local women’s organizations.

This initiative aligns with the Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs’ commitment to supporting women’s rights, equality and empowerment and serve as a meaningful celebration of women’s achievements while strengthening Austrian–Indian cultural ties.

Mehrunisa is a 90-minute drama set in Lucknow that tells the story of an 80-year-old widow who decides to free herself from the lingering dominance of her late husband and reclaim her identity in her own eccentric way. In doing so, she challenges deeply rooted patriarchal norms and emerges as an unexpected role model for women.

The film features the late Farrukh Jaffar, one of India’s most celebrated actresses, in her first leading role at the age of 88. Jaffar’s distinguished career spanned more than four decades and included memorable performances in films such as Peepli Live, Swades, Sultan, Secret Superstar, and Photograph. Her role in Mehrunisa poignantly reflects the film’s theme of resilience and the challenges older actresses face in securing leading roles.

Writer and director Sandeep Kumar, based in Vienna, is known for films that explore themes of identity, migration, dignity and equality. His work has premiered at major international film festivals and received numerous awards.

Mehrunisa premiered at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), Goa, and has since been screened at several international festivals, including Diagonale (Austria), Pristina International Film Festival (Kosovo), South Asian International Film Festival Vancouver, ASTI International Film Festival (Italy)and Indian Film Festival Stuttgart (Germany), where the film received Best Actress, among other accolades.

transcosmos signs a partnership agreement with the Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences to promote pharmacist operational transformation to address the 2040 Problem

India’s 1.4 Billion People Key to Global Green Transition; Green Infrastructure to Drive Growth: Jitendra Singh

India, home to nearly 1.4 billion people, holds a pivotal role in the global transition towards a greener future, said Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ministry of Science and Technology and Ministry of Earth Sciences, while addressing the 10th Sustainable Business Futures Summit 2026.

The minister said that India stands at a decisive stage in the global shift towards a green economy, and its development trajectory will significantly influence the success of worldwide sustainability efforts.

“With a large share of the world’s population, India’s progress will play a critical role in shaping the outcome of the global green transition,” he said, adding that the country now has both an opportunity and responsibility to emerge as a leading driver of sustainable development powered by clean energy and green technologies.

Green Infrastructure as Growth Engine

Highlighting the country’s future growth strategy, Singh said green infrastructure will be a central pillar of India’s economic expansion in the coming decades. According to him, the global economy is increasingly moving towards recycling, regeneration and environmentally sustainable technologies, and India is aligning its development pathway with these priorities.

He noted that India’s economic journey over the past decade has been marked by a strong expansion of its innovation ecosystem. The country now hosts over two lakh startups, placing it among the world’s leading startup ecosystems.

Notably, nearly half of these startups are emerging from Tier-II and Tier-III cities, indicating a significant shift in entrepreneurial activity beyond traditional metropolitan hubs.

Clean Energy for Emerging Technologies

The minister also emphasised the need for a robust clean energy ecosystem to support emerging sectors such as data centres and artificial intelligence, which require reliable and continuous energy supply.

In this context, Singh highlighted the significance of the SHANTI Act, describing it as a major reform that opens India’s nuclear energy sector to wider participation, including private players, and enables the expansion of clean and dependable power generation.

Integrated Approach to Green Transition

India’s approach to sustainability, Singh said, is based on an integrated strategy that combines technological innovation, economic growth and environmental protection.

This includes:

• Development of next-generation energy systems

• Advanced energy storage technologies

• Flexible and digitally enabled power grids capable of integrating multiple energy sources such as solar, wind, nuclear and hydrogen

• Climate modelling and risk analytics

• Sustainable construction technologies

Net Zero and Sustainable Lifestyles

Referring to policy direction from Narendra Modi, Singh reiterated that India has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. He also highlighted the importance of the Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) initiative, which promotes sustainable consumption and environmentally responsible lifestyles.

According to the minister, this reflects India’s broader vision of inclusive and responsible growth aligned with global environmental priorities.

Circular Economy and Collaborative Action

Singh also underscored the growing importance of circular economy practices, noting that innovative waste-to-wealth initiatives are helping redefine the concept of waste by converting it into economic and environmental value.

Looking ahead, he said future infrastructure development must prioritise climate resilience, sustainable urban systems, clean mobility solutions and water security, supported by collaboration between government, industry and research institutions.

“The era of working in silos is over,” Singh said, stressing that collective action and partnerships will be critical for achieving long-term sustainability and building a green future.

Empowering Panchayats: Inside the Latest Rs.1,789 Crore Rural Funding Push

The Union government’s recent release of over ₹1,789 crore in untied grants to rural local bodies across five states marks another step in strengthening grassroots governance in India. The funds, disbursed under the recommendations of the Fifteenth Finance Commission, will benefit Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Rural Local Bodies (RLBs) in Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana and Maharashtra.

While the announcement appears routine—Finance Commission grants are released regularly—its broader significance lies in how these funds are reshaping fiscal decentralisation and accountability in India’s rural governance framework.

Strengthening the Fiscal Backbone of Panchayats

India’s Panchayati Raj system comprises more than 2.6 lakh Gram Panchayats, making it one of the largest grassroots governance networks in the world. However, many of these institutions historically struggled with limited financial autonomy and dependence on state governments.

Finance Commission grants have gradually become a crucial funding source for rural local bodies. The 15th Finance Commission recommended over ₹2.36 lakh crore for rural local bodies between FY 2021 and FY 2026, making it one of the largest fiscal transfers aimed directly at local governance.

The latest release of ₹1,789 crore reflects the Centre’s continued push to ensure that funds reach local institutions capable of delivering essential services and development works in villages.

Why Untied Grants Matter

A significant feature of this release is that it primarily consists of Untied Grants, which give local governments flexibility to address location-specific development needs.

Unlike centrally sponsored schemes that come with strict guidelines, untied funds can be used across the 29 subjects listed in the Eleventh Schedule of the Constitution, including rural infrastructure, local roads, agriculture support services, drinking water, sanitation, and community assets.

This flexibility is critical because rural development needs vary widely—from water management in drought-prone regions to sanitation infrastructure in densely populated villages.

Compliance-Driven Funding

Another key aspect of the grant release is that fund disbursement is tied to compliance and financial accountability.

The grants are recommended by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj and the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, and then released by the Ministry of Finance.

States receive funds in two installments each year, but only after meeting eligibility conditions such as:

• Submission of utilisation certificates for previous grants

• Completion of audits

• Uploading development plans on digital governance platforms

• Compliance with financial reporting systems

The fact that a portion of funds released in this cycle represents previously withheld installments highlights how the system is increasingly linking fiscal transfers to governance performance.

Regional Implications

Among the five beneficiary states, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat received the largest shares, reflecting their large number of Panchayati Raj institutions.

In Chhattisgarh and Telangana, the grants will help support local governance in predominantly rural regions where Panchayats play a central role in delivering public services.

Meanwhile, the release of withheld funds to Maharashtra indicates improved compliance by local bodies that had earlier missed eligibility requirements.

Beyond Funding: Improving Service Delivery

Although Finance Commission grants are often seen as fiscal transfers, their impact goes beyond funding. The grants are designed to improve service delivery outcomes at the local level, particularly in areas such as sanitation, drinking water supply and rural infrastructure.

Tied grants, which accompany untied grants in the Finance Commission framework, focus specifically on water and sanitation services—two sectors where Panchayats have a direct implementation role.

This aligns with national programmes such as rural sanitation and drinking water initiatives, where local institutions are expected to manage and maintain assets over the long term.

The Bigger Governance Shift

The latest grant release also reflects a broader shift in India’s governance model toward decentralised development and digital transparency.

Over the past few years, digital platforms have been introduced to track Panchayat finances, planning and audits, making it easier for the Centre and states to monitor fund utilisation.

As a result, rural local bodies are gradually transitioning from being passive recipients of funds to accountable local governments responsible for planning and execution.

A Continuing Experiment in Decentralisation

India’s Panchayati Raj system has often been described as one of the most ambitious decentralisation experiments in the world. However, its success depends heavily on whether local institutions receive adequate financial resources and the capacity to use them effectively.

The latest Finance Commission grant release underscores the Centre’s commitment to strengthening this system—but it also highlights the growing emphasis on performance, compliance and accountability.

If implemented effectively, such fiscal transfers could help transform Panchayats into more responsive institutions capable of addressing the diverse development needs of rural India.

15th Finance Commission Grants Strengthen Rural Governance Through Panchayats

India’s rural local governance system has received a major financial push under the recommendations of the Fifteenth Finance Commission, which has allocated substantial grants to Rural Local Bodies (RLBs) during the award period from FY 2020–21 to FY 2025–26.

The 15th Finance Commission recommended ₹60,750 crore for FY 2020–21 (interim period) and ₹2,36,805 crore for the period FY 2021–2026 to support rural local governance institutions such as Gram Panchayats, Block Panchayats and District Panchayats. These grants aim to strengthen grassroots democracy, improve local service delivery and support development at the village level.

Allocation Framework for Rural Local Bodies

The fund allocation framework developed by the Finance Commission is based on a population–area formula, with 90% weightage given to population and 10% to geographical area for inter-state distribution.

Within states, the distribution among different tiers of Panchayati Raj institutions is guided by the recommendations of the respective State Finance Commissions and must fall within the following ranges:

For states with a two-tier system—comprising only village and district panchayats—the distribution bands are:

Where State Finance Commission recommendations are unavailable, state governments determine the distribution within these bands.

Eligibility Conditions for Grant Release

The release of grants is linked to several mandatory conditions set by the Ministry of Finance to ensure transparency, accountability and effective utilisation of funds.

Key conditions include:

• Constitution of elected Rural Local Bodies, except in areas where constitutional provisions do not apply.

• Uploading annual development plans on the eGramSwaraj portal.

• Mandatory onboarding of RLBs on eGramSwaraj–PFMS for financial transactions.

• Completion of audits through the AuditOnline platform.

• Availability of provisional accounts on eGramSwaraj.

• Constitution and operationalisation of State Finance Commissions by states.

States must also transfer funds to Panchayats within 10 working days after receiving them from the Union Government. Delays beyond this period require payment of interest by the state government.

Digital Governance Tools for Panchayats

To strengthen financial transparency and monitoring, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj introduced the eGramSwaraj application in April 2020. The platform supports planning, budgeting, accounting and auditing functions of Panchayats.

Additionally, the AuditOnline platform enables digital auditing of Panchayat accounts and financial records, helping improve accountability in rural governance.

Strong Adoption of Digital Systems

The latest data for FY 2025–26 indicates widespread adoption of these digital platforms across the country:

• 2,54,604 Gram Panchayats (96.36%) uploaded their Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs) on eGramSwaraj.

• 2,42,871 Panchayats (91.92%) transferred ₹38,491 crore to vendors using the eGramSwaraj–PFMS interface.

• For FY 2024–25, over 2.58 lakh Panchayati Raj Institutions closed their annual accounts, while 1.63 lakh generated audit reports.

Role of Key Ministries

The implementation of these grants involves two nodal ministries:

• Ministry of Panchayati Raj — responsible for recommending release of Untied (Basic) Grants.

• Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation — responsible for recommending Tied Grants, largely linked to water and sanitation services.

Grants are released in two instalments each year, and subsequent instalments are approved only after states submit a Grant Transfer Certificate (GTC) and meet the prescribed eligibility conditions.

State-Wise Disbursement Trends

Between FY 2020–21 and FY 2025–26, a total allocation of ₹2,97,555 crore was recommended for Rural Local Bodies across states, out of which ₹2,67,250.78 crore has been released.

Large states such as Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan and West Bengal have received the highest allocations, reflecting their population size and rural governance requirements.

Strengthening Grassroots Democracy

The Finance Commission’s grant framework represents one of the largest fiscal transfers to local governments in India. By linking funding with digital governance, auditing requirements and planning processes, the initiative aims to ensure that Panchayats become more accountable, financially empowered and capable of driving rural development.

The details were shared by Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Union Minister for Ministry of Panchayati Raj, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha on March 17, 2026.

From Solar Boom to Solar Waste: India’s Push for a Circular Economy in the Renewable Energy Sector

India’s rapid expansion in solar energy capacity has been one of the defining features of its clean energy transition. However, alongside this growth, policymakers and industry experts are beginning to focus on an emerging challenge: managing the growing volume of end-of-life solar panels and ensuring that renewable energy infrastructure does not create a new environmental burden.

Estimates supported by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and prepared by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water suggest that cumulative waste from existing and projected solar photovoltaic installations in India could reach around 600 kilo-tonnes by 2030. As India accelerates towards ambitious renewable energy targets, this figure highlights the need for a robust ecosystem for recycling, recovery of materials, and sustainable disposal.

Recognising this challenge, the government has begun taking steps to promote domestic recycling capacity and strengthen circular economy practices in the solar sector. The objective is not only to manage waste responsibly but also to recover valuable materials such as silicon, aluminium, glass and critical minerals that can be reused in the clean energy value chain.

A key policy framework supporting this transition is the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The rules provide for environmentally sound management of electronic waste generated from electrical and electronic equipment, including solar photovoltaic panels. Under the regulations, manufacturers and producers are required to take responsibility for the lifecycle of their products through the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) mechanism.

To operationalise this framework, the Central Pollution Control Board has launched an online Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) portal, which enables producers to register, track and fulfil their recycling obligations for e-waste.

Beyond regulatory measures, the government is also working to encourage innovation and technology development in the recycling space. The MNRE has constituted a Committee on Circular Economy in Solar Panels to prepare action plans for transitioning the sector from a linear “produce-use-discard” model to a circular system where materials are continuously reused.

The ministry has also launched an Innovation Challenge for Circularity in Renewable Energy Technologies – Batteries and Solar Photovoltaic under the Renewable Energy Research and Technology Development programme. The initiative is designed to promote research and entrepreneurial innovation in areas such as recycling technologies, second-life applications for solar components, and circular product design.

At the same time, the Department of Science and Technology has issued a call for research proposals focused on recovery and recycling of end-of-life solar PV modules. The initiative aims to foster collaborations between academia and industry to develop economically viable recycling technologies and specialised equipment.

Another important policy push is coming from the Ministry of Mines, which has launched a ₹1,500-crore recycling incentive scheme under the National Critical Mineral Mission. The programme seeks to build domestic capacity to recover critical minerals from e-waste, lithium-ion battery waste, and components of end-of-life vehicles—an effort that aligns closely with India’s broader clean-energy supply chain strategy.

The emerging policy framework reflects a broader realisation that the clean energy transition must also incorporate sustainable material management. Solar panels typically have a lifespan of 20 to 25 years, meaning that the earliest large-scale installations in India will begin reaching the end of their operational life within this decade.

Industry experts note that building recycling capacity now will help India avoid future environmental risks while also creating new economic opportunities. The recovery of valuable materials from solar panels can reduce dependence on imported raw materials and support the domestic manufacturing ecosystem.

As India expands its solar capacity to meet its renewable energy targets, the next phase of the sector’s evolution will involve integrating sustainability across the entire lifecycle of solar technologies—from manufacturing and installation to recycling and resource recovery.

The government’s focus on circular economy practices indicates that the solar revolution is no longer only about generating clean power. It is increasingly about ensuring that the clean energy ecosystem itself remains sustainable for decades to come.

This information was shared by Shripad Yesso Naik, Minister of State for the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on March 17.