Plan Panel calls for a unified energy ministry

NEW DELHI: The Planning Commission on Friday said that lack of co-ordination among various energy ministries was resulting in inefficiency and suggested a “co-ordination mechanism� for optimal utilisation of resources.

A unified energy ministry by merging ministries like power, petroleum and coal may not be possible, But some “co-ordination mechanism� should be established among them, the commission’s member in-charge of energy, Kirit Parikh, said.

He suggested a co-ordinated policy framework which would lay out principles as guidelines for the ministries for optimal utilisation of energy resources at minimal costs.

“At present, each ministry in the energy sector — power, coal and mines — has separate policies. Each is trying to pull things in its own direction. This is making the entire energy scene more expensive and inefficient, if not vulnerable,� Mr Parikh, who is also heading an experts group for formulating an integrated energy policy, said.

Mr Parikh said co-ordination among ministries in the sector will also help address issues like monopoly of the state, over employment in certain sectors like coal and presence of trade unions.

This will also take care of tariff issues and reforms, he said.

On the integrated energy policy, Mr Parikh said work was on and the eight working groups set up to prepare background papers will meet soon for discussions, after which an interim report is likely to be formulated by November. The final draft policy will be ready by January next year.