Ranchi, June 19: In a landmark step towards achieving net-zero carbon emissions, the Government of Jharkhand on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Swaniti Initiative to develop Energy Transition Readiness Index Framework for the state. The agreement was formalised in the presence of Planning and Development Minister Radhakrishna Kishore at the auditorium of the Yojana Bhawan, located at Nepal House.
The primary objective of the framework is to support Jharkhand in its pursuit of clean and safe energy while achieving its net-zero emissions target. The initiative aims to ensure coordinated participation from all departments in line with this goal.
Once implemented, Jharkhand will become the first state in India—and the first in the entire Asian region—to adopt such a comprehensive energy transition framework. This will also significantly contribute toward achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of clean and safe energy by 2030.
Minister Radhakrishna Kishore highlighted the long-term implications of coal-based electricity production in the state and underlined the significance of the Readiness Index in guiding energy reforms. He also spoke about global energy challenges, carbon emissions, and the importance of transitioning to clean energy. Calling the Planning and Development Department the “Mother of All Departments,” the minister commended the department’s efforts and lauded the secretary for initiating this vital partnership.
The MoU was signed by Anilson Lakra, Joint Secretary of the Planning and Development Department, and Uma Bhattacharya, Trustee of Swaniti Initiatives. Secretary Mukesh Kumar, Special Secretary Rajeev Ranjan, and several senior officials were present at the signing ceremony.
