ShodhPatra: International Journal of Science and Humanities

Sustainable Development Goal 7 in India: Evaluating Progress in Affordable and Clean Energy Access

This article analyses India's progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 7, focusing on affordable and clean energy access. India has achieved near-universal household electrification, a significant milestone driven by initiatives like the SAUBHAGYA scheme. Substantial advancements are also observed in clean cooking fuel access, with the national average for LPG & PNG connections at 91%, contributing to an overall SDG 7 Index Score of 96. The study details various government schemes supporting this energy transition, including those for renewable energy deployment, energy efficiency, and electric mobility. Despite these successes, persistent regional disparities in clean cooking fuel access and ongoing energy poverty are observed. It emphasizes the need for further research to understand how policies can ensure truly equitable, qualitative, and reliable energy access for all diverse populations in India, moving beyond basic connectivity. The analysis primarily relies on secondary data from official government reports, such as the NITI Aayog SDG India Index Report 2023-24.