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Will the Budget 2024-25 Address the Challenges Indian Economy Faces?

As India anticipates the announcement of the Budget for 2024-25, the nation faces a complex array of economic challenges that demand strategic and effective solutions. It's hence essential to focus on the key issues confronting the Indian economy today and see tomorrow whether the upcoming budget addresses these critical concerns. To propel India toward becoming the third-largest economy and achieving a $5 trillion GDP by the mid-2020s, the 2024-25 Budget must adopt a sharply defined strategy. This includes strategic, sharply focussed, value oriented and merit based deployment of available budget, reducing the fiscal deficit to below 4% of GDP through comprehensive tax reforms and stringent expenditure control, while addressing the ₹160 trillion sovereign debt with strategic restructuring. Critical to this strategy is a robust crackdown on corruption and tax avoidance, which undermine economic stability and growth. Balancing investment in infrastructure to stimulate industrial growth, streamline regulatory processes to support SMEs with Investments for faster growthin selected sectors. Focus on job creation and launching a national skills development program to align education with market demands and sharply reduce youth unemployment. Enhance agricultural productivity with targeted investments for crop diversification towards higher value growth, invest in irrigation, storage, and rural infrastructure. Increase R&D funding for technologies like AI and renewable energy, and expand digital infrastructure. Combat environmental challenges with green projects and efficient water management. Strengthen trade policies and attract substantial foreign investment by improving the investment climate. Finally, boost healthcare funding and expand social safety nets to ensure inclusive growth and reduce inequality. This strategy can address critical economic challenges and pave the way for achieving India's ambitious growth targets. Fiscal Deficit India's fiscal deficit remains a pressing issue. The deficit for the fiscal year 2023-24 was notably high, driven by substantial government spending on subsidies and welfare programs. The challenge lies in balancing this spending with revenue collection to avoid exacerbating debt levels. According to Dr. Arvind Subramanian, former Chief Economic Advisor, "Managing the fiscal deficit requires a balanced approach that combines prudent fiscal management with strategic investments to ensure economic stability." The upcoming budget will be scrutinized for its approach to fiscal consolidation and strategies to enhance revenue without stifling growth. Sovereign Debt Management Sovereign debt has become a significant concern for India, with high debt levels posing risks to fiscal stability and economic growth. As of the latest reports, India's sovereign debt stands at approximately $1.7 trillion, reflecting ongoing fiscal pressures. Effective management of this debt is crucial to maintaining economic stability and avoiding financial crises. Dr. Arvind Panagariya, former Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog, notes, "Effective management of sovereign debt is critical to ensuring long-term economic stability and avoiding potential financial crises." The forthcoming budget will be keenly observed for measures aimed at controlling debt and improving fiscal sustainability. Trade Deficit The trade deficit has been a persistent challenge, with recent figures indicating a widening gap due to higher imports of crude oil and electronics. For the fiscal year 2023-24, the trade deficit reached $225 billion, up from $200 billion the previous year. This imbalance has implications for the balance of payments and foreign exchange reserves. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) highlights the need for a strategic approach to manage the trade deficit. Dr. Bibek Debroy, Chairman of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, emphasizes, "Addressing the trade deficit requires enhancing export competitiveness and developing a robust trade strategy to manage the growing imbalance effectively." The budget's approach to trade policies and export incentives will be crucial in tackling this issue. Banking Sector Woes The banking sector in India continues to face challenges related to Non-Performing Assets (NPAs). As of March 2024, NPAs stand at 7.4% of total advances, affecting the availability of credit and overall financial stability. The Reserve Bank of India's Financial Stability Report points to the need for reforms to address these high levels of NPAs. Dr. Viral Acharya, former Deputy Governor of the RBI, stresses, "Resolving the NPA issue is crucial for restoring confidence in the banking sector and ensuring that credit flows efficiently to businesses and consumers." The budget's measures to tackle banking sector issues will be critical for economic stability. Inflation Inflation has been a significant concern, with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate hovering around 6.2% in June 2024, exceeding the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) target range of 2-6%. Persistent inflation, driven by supply chain disruptions and rising fuel prices, impacts consumer purchasing power and living costs. Dr. Manohar Bhandari, an economist at the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy, states, "Persistent inflation requires targeted interventions to manage supply chain disruptions and stabilize prices." The budget's policies on controlling inflation and supporting affected sectors will be closely examined. Unemployment Unemployment remains a critical issue, with the rate at 7.8% in July 2024, and youth unemployment significantly higher at 23%. Job creation has not kept pace with the growing labor force, particularly impacting the younger demographic. The Ministry of Labor and Employment has emphasized the need for robust job creation strategies. According to Dr. Raghuram Rajan, former RBI Governor, "Addressing unemployment requires a multi-faceted approach, including enhancing skill development and creating opportunities in emerging sectors." The budget's focus on employment generation and skill development programs will be pivotal. Industrial Growth Industrial growth has slowed, with the growth rate at 3.1% in the first quarter of 2024 compared to 5.7% in the same period the previous year. Factors such as policy uncertainties, investment shortages, and supply chain issues have hindered industrial performance. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has stressed the need for policy stability and investment incentives. Dr. Rajiv Kumar, Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog, asserts, "Reviving industrial growth requires clear policy direction and targeted investments in infrastructure and innovation." The budget's industrial policy and investment strategies will be critical for stimulating growth. Agricultural Distress Agriculture continues to face significant challenges, with the sector's contribution to GDP at 15.4% in 2023-2024. Despite employing over 40% of the workforce, agriculture is plagued by issues such as indebtedness and climate impacts. The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has highlighted the need for reforms and improved infrastructure. Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, renowned agricultural scientist, had emphasized, "Addressing agricultural distress requires comprehensive reforms to improve productivity and support farmers." The budget's support for agricultural reforms and infrastructure development will be essential. Infrastructure Bottlenecks India's infrastructure remains underdeveloped, ranking 70th in the World Economic Forum's Global Competitiveness Report 2023. Poor infrastructure hampers industrial growth and economic development. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has called for increased investment in infrastructure projects. Dr. Amitabh Kant, former CEO of NITI Aayog, had noted, "Investing in infrastructure is crucial for economic growth and improving competitiveness." The budget's focus on infrastructure investment will be key to addressing these bottlenecks. Regulatory and Bureaucratic Hurdles Regulatory and bureaucratic inefficiencies continue to pose challenges, with India ranked 63rd in the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business Report 2020. Complex regulations and slow business processes deter investment and growth. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has emphasized the need for regulatory reforms. Dr. Bibek Debroy suggests, "Streamlining regulations and reducing bureaucratic delays are essential for improving the business environment." The budget's approach to regulatory reforms will be vital for enhancing ease of doing business. Environmental Concerns Environmental issues remain a significant concern, with India ranked 168th out of 180 countries in the Environmental Performance Index 2024. Degradation and pollution impact health and productivity. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has stressed the need for stronger environmental policies. Dr. Sunita Narain, Director General of the Centre for Science and Environment, states, "Addressing environmental concerns requires stringent policies and investments in sustainable practices." The budget's focus on environmental protection and sustainability will be crucial. Rising Poverty Poverty remains a critical issue, with significant portions of the population struggling to meet basic needs. The Planning Commission's latest data indicates that poverty rates have seen a modest decline but still reflect substantial challenges. Dr. Jean Drèze, an economist and development specialist, highlights, "Effective poverty alleviation requires targeted social programs and economic opportunities to uplift the most vulnerable." The budget's allocation for poverty alleviation programs will be closely scrutinized.

Noida spent only 6 pc of NCAP funds for air pollution control Govt data

Noida, one of India's most polluted cities, has used only around 6 per cent of the Rs 21.95 crore it received under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) since 2019, according to government data. Data released by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) showed that 19 out of the 131 cities covered under the NCAP have utilised less than 50 per cent of the funds allocated, and four have used below 25 per cent of the funds received as of May 3. Launched in 2019, the NCAP is India's first national effort to set clean air targets, aiming for a 20-30 per cent reduction in PM10 pollution by 2024, with 2017 as the base year. The revised target aims for a 40 per cent reduction by 2026, using 2019-20 as the base year. A total of 46 cities and urban agglomerations spent less than 75 percent of the money received under the programme, either directly from the environment ministry or through the 15th Finance Commission. Noida in Uttar Pradesh has utilised only Rs 1.43 crore of the Rs 21.95 crore allocated to it for to combatting air pollution. Bengaluru spent only Rs 68.37 crore of the Rs 535.1 crore received, Nagpur used Rs 17.71 crore of Rs 132.6 crore, and Visakhapatnam spent Rs 26.17 crore of the Rs 129.25 crore it got. Other cities with low fund utilisation include Pune (26.44 per cent), Gulbarga (27.2 per cent), Vasai-Virar (28.01 per cent), Nashik (28.21 per cent), Kolhapur (28.37 per cent), Vijayawada (29.16 per cent), Angul (29.95 per cent), Jamshedpur (35.78 per cent), Delhi (37.33 per cent), Anantapur (38.39 per cent), Faridabad (38.89 per cent), Durg Bhilainagar (42.31 per cent), Varanasi (46.25 per cent), Ranchi (48.73 per cent), and Jalandhar (48.81 per cent). A report released by the independent think tank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) on Friday said only Rs 6,806 crore (64 per cent) of the total Rs 10,566 crore allocated to the 131 cities since the programme's inception has been utilised as of May 3. Nearly two-thirds of the funds allocated to 131 cities under the NCAP have been used for dust management, while only 0.61 per cent of the total funds have been used to tackle industrial pollution, 12.63 per cent for vehicular pollution, and 14.51 per cent for biomass burning. Among the cities covered by the programme, 82 receive direct funding from the MoEFCC, while 42 cities and seven urban agglomerations with population over a million receive funding from the 15th Finance Commission. The 82 cities utilised Rs 831.42 crore of the total Rs 1,616.47 crore allocated, while the 49 cities receiving funding under the 15th Finance Commission spent Rs 5,974.73 crore of the total Rs 8,951 crore allocated.

‘Misdirection of Funds, Under-Funded Policies Responsible for Air Pollution Crisis’: Congress

New Delhi: Criticising the Modi government for the “public health crisis” emerging from rampant air pollution in the country, the Congress on Sunday (July 21) demanded that necessary steps must be taken in the upcoming Union budget to address the issue. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh, in a statement posted on X, said that a study by the Centre for Science and Environment in Delhi has “evaluated the National Clean Air Program (NCAP) and brought to light the policy chaos that has resulted in this public health crisis.” Alleging misdirection of funds and under-funded policies, Ramesh said, “The current budget of the NCAP, including the 15th Finance Commission’s grants, is about Rs 10,500 crores – spread across 131 cities! The program is therefore desperately underfunded – and yet, and of this meagre amount, only 64% of the funds were used. Poor policy making has misdirected the available resources. NCAP’s performance assessment – and therefore interventions – are heavily focused on PM 10 (particulate matter with a diameter of 10 micro metres or less) rather than on PM 2.5 (diameter of 2.5 micro metres or less), which is far more hazardous.”

Sluggish spending threatens clean air goals in AP, T’gana

Visakhapatnam: Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are lagging behind in the fight against air pollution with ‘disappointing utilisation rates’ for Union govt funds allocated under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). Telangana managed to disburse only 11 crore out of the sanctioned 20 crore. AP fared even worse, expending a mere 59 crore out of the designated 107 crore. The lacklustre performance translates to a meagre 55% utilisation rate for both states, placing Telangana in 10th position with AP a close 11th nationwide, according to a report — ‘National Clean Air Programme: An Agenda for Reform’ — by the Centre for Science and Environment. Sluggish spending threatens clean air goals in AP, T’gana The disparity continues with the funds devised under the 15th Finance Commission. While AP languished near the bottom of the national rankings, recording a meagre 24.6% utilisation rate, Telangana achieved a commendable performance, expending a substantial 389 crore (72.13%) out of the 540.25 crore received. Launched in 2019 by the Union ministry of environment, forest and climate change, NCAP aims to tackle air pollution in 131 non-attainment cities that fail to meet national air quality standards across India. We also published the following articles recently Delhi Utilised Less Than 30% Of Funds From Clean Air ProgDiscover the latest report by CSE highlighting Delhi's low utilization of funds from the National Clean Air Programme. Learn about the concerns raised regarding the focus on dust control measures and the need for transformative reforms to achieve cleaner air.111872593 BJP seeks white paper from AAP govt on clean air fundsDiscover the debate between BJP MP and AAP on Delhi's pollution control measures. Learn about the utilization of central funds, initiatives like CNG to PNG conversion, and the introduction of electric buses in the city. Get insights into the contrasting perspectives on pollution management in Delhi.111893349 Clean air, blue skies: How flooded streets of Delhi hide delights of monsoonDiscover the essential role of the monsoon season in Delhi's ecosystem. From rejuvenating the landscape to reducing pollution and recharging groundwater, the rains play a crucial part in sustaining the city's biodiversity and environmental health.111738558

'India's Air Pollution Crisis Result Of Policy Failure:' Congress Blames Govt

Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said earlier this month, a study revealed that 7.2 per cent of all deaths in India are associated with air pollution -- about 34,000 deaths each year in just 10 cities. A new study by the Centre for Science and Environment in Delhi has evaluated the National Clean Air Program (NCAP) and brought to light the policy chaos that has resulted in this public health crisis, he said in a statement. Accusing the Modi government of "poor policy-making" in dealing with air pollution, the Congress on Sunday demanded that the forthcoming Union Budget must provide a path forward to resourcing and equipping India's local bodies, state governments, and the Centre in tackling this "grave public health crisis". Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said earlier this month, a study revealed that 7.2 per cent of all deaths in India are associated with air pollution -- about 34,000 deaths each year in just 10 cities. A new study by the Centre for Science and Environment in Delhi has evaluated the National Clean Air Program (NCAP) and brought to light the policy chaos that has resulted in this public health crisis, he said in a statement. "The current budget of the NCAP, including the 15th Finance Commission's grants, is about Rs 10,500 crore -- spread across 131 cities! The programme is therefore desperately underfunded -- and yet, and of this meagre amount, only 64% of the funds were used," Ramesh said. He alleged that "poor policy-making" has misdirected the available resources. NCAP's performance assessment -- and therefore interventions -- are heavily focused on PM 10 (particulate matter with a diameter of 10 micrometres or less) rather than on PM 2.5 (diameter of 2.5 micrometres or less), which is far more hazardous, he said. Ramesh pointed out that 64% of the funds utilized were spent on road dust mitigation much more than on controlling combustion-linked emissions from industries (0.61% of funds), vehicles (12.63% of funds), and biomass burning (14-51% of funds), he said, adding these emissions are far more dangerous for human health. "Out of 131 cities under NCAP, most do not even have data to track their air pollution," he said. Of 46 cities which have data, only eight cities have met the NCAP's low target, while 22 cities actually saw air pollution get worse, he claimed. "There are clear steps the government must take moving forward: The Air Pollution (Control and Prevention) Act came into being in 1981, and the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) was put into effect in November 2009. However, in the last decade, the public health consequences of air pollution - in both morbidity and mortality - have become all too evident," he said. It is now time for a revisit and a total revamp of both the Air Pollution (Control and Prevention) Act and the NAAQS, Ramesh said. "Our cities need at least 10-20 times more funding -- NCAP must be made a Rs 25,000 crore programme NCAP must adopt measurement of PM 2.5 levels as the yardstick for performance NCAP must reorient its focus to key sources of emissions - burning of solid fuels, vehicular emissions, and industrial emissions," he said. NCAP must adopt a regional/airshed approach for air quality control - municipal and state authorities must have the governance architecture and resources required to collaborate across jurisdictions, Ramesh said. "The NCAP must be given legal backing, an enforcement mechanism, and serious data monitoring capacity for every Indian city, beyond the current focus only on 'non-attainment' cities, he argued. "Air pollution norms for coal power plants must be enforced immediately. All power plants must install a Fluoride Gas Desulfurizer (FGD) by the end of 2024," he said. Ramesh demanded that the National Green Tribunal's independence must be restored, and the "anti-people environmental law amendments" made in the last 10 years must be rolled back. "The forthcoming Union Budget must provide a path forward to resourcing and equipping India's local bodies, state governments, and Union government in tackling this grave public health crisis," he said. Tagging his statement, Ramesh said on X, "India's air pollution crisis is a result of policy failure."

Delhi BJP asks AAP govt to explain how it spent clean air funds given by Centre

Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) MPs Ramvir Singh Bidhuri and Bansuri Swaraj on Saturday asked the Delhi government to explain why it has not spent more than 70% of the funds it was given under the National Clean Air Programme, and criticised it for turning the Capital into one of the world’s most polluted cities. In a press conference at the Delhi BJP office, the BJP MPs said the failure to use the special fund received from the central government for pollution control is a testament to the criminal negligence of the Arvind Kejriwal government towards the issue of pollution. “The Arvind Kejriwal government must present a white paper before the public detailing the work done on pollution control in the past nine-and-a-half years,” said Bidhuri. The BJP MPs claims are based on a report released by the Centre for Science and Environment on Friday which said that more than 70% of ₹42.69 crore Delhi received from the Centre between 2019-20 and 2023-24 as part of the national clean air programme remain unused. “Delhi is one of the most polluted cities in the world. When the Aam Aadmi Party government was not in Punjab, Kejriwal said that the main reason for pollution in Delhi was the burning of stubble in Punjab, but since his government came to power in Punjab, he no longer mentions Punjab. The smog tower in Delhi is not operational, and even its maintenance has not been done. The Kejriwal government should explain how the fund provided by the central government for pollution control in Delhi was spent, as 70% of it remains unspent,” said Bidhuri.

BJP seeks white paper from AAP govt on clean air funds

New Delhi: BJP MP Ramvir Singh Bidhuri on Saturday alleged that Delhi govt had failed in combating pollution, which was evident by its inability to utilise the special fund received from central govt for pollution control. He demanded that AAP govt present a white paper on the work done to control pollution over the past nine and a half years. Delhi has utilised just 29.5% of the funds from National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) between 2019-20 and 2023-24, revealed a recent report by Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). The report, titled “National Clean Air Programme: An Agenda for Reform,” highlighted concerns regarding the management of NCAP over its five-year operation, noting that most funding under NCAP has been invested in dust control measures rather than targeting combustion-based PM2.5, which is far more harmful. Holding a press conference, Bidhuri said, “The court has also acknowledged that the two biggest causes of pollution in Delhi are the completely chaotic transportation system and dust on the roads.” He said that since AAP govt came to power in Punjab, Arvind Kejriwal has not been mentioning Punjab as a source of pollution. Bidhuri also alleged that the smog tower in Delhi was not operational and its maintenance had been neglected. “Due to pollution, thousands of people die annually in Delhi, but neither Kejriwal nor any of his ministers are willing to answer for this,” he claimed. Bidhuri said that the situation of pollution in Delhi was “dire”. He questioned how 70% of NCAP funds remained unspent in Delhi. “Centre bears the entire cost of Delhi’s development work, including the expenses of Delhi Police, NMDC, DDA and all hospitals under central govt. Moreover, central govt is responsible for the construction of tunnels, the new police headquarters and other development works in Delhi,” he added. In response, AAP said, “Delhi govt has been consistently working to address pollution through both short and long-term measures. As part of these efforts, govt has formulated Winter Action Plan and Summer Action Plan to mitigate pollution during specific seasons.” The party further highlighted its efforts in converting CNG-run industries to PNG, inducting electric buses into the DTC fleet, making Delhi the state with the most electric buses in the country and the third-largest city globally in this regard. “We provide 24x7 electricity, leading to the near-extinction of generators and inverters in Delhi. Additionally, AAP govt has introduced one of the most progressive EV policies in the country, resulting in the highest number of EV purchases in Delhi,” said the party. Delhi govt emphasised its consistent work on reducing pollution, noting that even BJP’s central govt has acknowledged a 31% reduction in pollution in the national capital in Parliament.

‘Need more focus on PM2.5’: Study says dust mitigation draining clean air scheme funds

Road dust mitigation works undertaken to reduce particulate matter 10 (PM10) pollution is draining a lion’s share — 64% — of funds under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), said a new study by Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) while recommending a shift of focus on curbing the finer, more lethal PM2.5 pollution. “We need to worry about combustion sources rather than dust. Dust is not the main pollutant. When it gets coated with other pollutants, it becomes bad for your body,” said Sunita Narain, Director, CSE. The CSE report has appraised efforts to curb air pollution under the national scheme through the lens of fund utilisation, city level performance in improving air quality and implementation gaps.

Funds Misallocation in India's National Clean Air Programme

Nearly two-thirds of the funds allocated to 131 cities under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) have been used for dust management, while less than one percent has been utilized to combat air pollution from the industrial sector, a new report revealed on Friday. Launched in 2019, the NCAP is India's first national effort to set clean air targets, aiming for a 20-30 percent reduction in PM10 pollution by 2024, with 2017 as the base year. The revised target is a 40 percent reduction by 2026, using 2019-20 as the base year. The report, titled ''National Clean Air Programme: An Agenda for Reform'', by the independent think tank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), also said that only 64 percent of the total funds given to the 131 cities have been spent so far.

India’s air pollution crisis result of policy failure: Cong slams govt

Accusing the Modi government of “poor policy-making” in dealing with air pollution, the Congress on Sunday demanded that the forthcoming Union Budget must provide a path forward to resourcing and equipping India’s local bodies, state governments, and the Centre in tackling this “grave public health crisis”. Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said earlier this month, a study revealed that 7.2 per cent of all deaths in India are associated with air pollution — about 34,000 deaths each year in just 10 cities. A new study by the Centre for Science and Environment in Delhi has evaluated the National Clean Air Program (NCAP) and brought to light the policy chaos that has resulted in this public health crisis, he said in a statement.

Noida spent only 6% of NCAP funds for air pollution control, shows data

Noida, one of India's most polluted cities, has used only around 6 per cent of the Rs 21.95 crore it received under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) since 2019, according to government data. Data released by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) showed that 19 out of the 131 cities covered under the NCAP have utilised less than 50 per cent of the funds allocated, and four have used below 25 per cent of the funds received as of May 3. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp Launched in 2019, the NCAP is India's first national effort to set clean air targets, aiming for a 20-30 per cent reduction in PM10 pollution by 2024, with 2017 as the base year. The revised target aims for a 40 per cent reduction by 2026, using 2019-20 as the base year. A total of 46 cities and urban agglomerations spent less than 75 percent of the money received under the programme, either directly from the environment ministry or through the 15th Finance Commission. Noida in Uttar Pradesh has utilised only Rs 1.43 crore of the Rs 21.95 crore allocated to it for to combatting air pollution. Bengaluru spent only Rs 68.37 crore of the Rs 535.1 crore received, Nagpur used Rs 17.71 crore of Rs 132.6 crore, and Visakhapatnam spent Rs 26.17 crore of the Rs 129.25 crore it got. Other cities with low fund utilisation include Pune (26.44 per cent), Gulbarga (27.2 per cent), Vasai-Virar (28.01 per cent), Nashik (28.21 per cent), Kolhapur (28.37 per cent), Vijayawada (29.16 per cent), Angul (29.95 per cent), Jamshedpur (35.78 per cent), Delhi (37.33 per cent), Anantapur (38.39 per cent), Faridabad (38.89 per cent), Durg Bhilainagar (42.31 per cent), Varanasi (46.25 per cent), Ranchi (48.73 per cent), and Jalandhar (48.81 per cent). A report released by the independent think tank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) on Friday said only Rs 6,806 crore (64 per cent) of the total Rs 10,566 crore allocated to the 131 cities since the programme's inception has been utilised as of May 3. Nearly two-thirds of the funds allocated to 131 cities under the NCAP have been used for dust management, while only 0.61 per cent of the total funds have been used to tackle industrial pollution, 12.63 per cent for vehicular pollution, and 14.51 per cent for biomass burning. Among the cities covered by the programme, 82 receive direct funding from the MoEFCC, while 42 cities and seven urban agglomerations with population over a million receive funding from the 15th Finance Commission. The 82 cities utilised Rs 831.42 crore of the total Rs 1,616.47 crore allocated, while the 49 cities receiving funding under the 15th Finance Commission spent Rs 5,974.73 crore of the total Rs 8,951 crore allocated.

Noida spent only 6% of NCAP funds for air pollution control: Government data

Noida, one of India's most polluted cities, has used only around 6 per cent of the Rs 21.95 crore it received under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) since 2019, according to government data. Data released by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) showed that 19 out of the 131 cities covered under the NCAP have utilised less than 50 per cent of the funds allocated, and four have used below 25 per cent of the funds received as of May 3. Other cities with low fund utilisation include Pune (26.44 per cent), Gulbarga (27.2 per cent), Vasai-Virar (28.01 per cent), Nashik (28.21 per cent), Kolhapur (28.37 per cent), Vijayawada (29.16 per cent), Angul (29.95 per cent), Jamshedpur (35.78 per cent), Delhi (37.33 per cent), Anantapur (38.39 per cent), Faridabad (38.89 per cent), Durg Bhilainagar (42.31 per cent), Varanasi (46.25 per cent), Ranchi (48.73 per cent), and Jalandhar (48.81 per cent). A report released by the independent think tank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) on Friday said only Rs 6,806 crore (64 per cent) of the total Rs 10,566 crore allocated to the 131 cities since the programme's inception has been utilised as of May 3.

नोएडा ने वायु प्रदूषण नियंत्रण के लिए एनसीएपी निधि का केवल छह प्रतिशत खर्च किया: सरकारी आंकड़े

भारत के सबसे प्रदूषित शहरों में से एक नोएडा ने 2019 से राष्ट्रीय स्वच्छ वायु कार्यक्रम (एनसीएपी) के तहत प्राप्त 21.95 करोड़ रुपये में से केवल छह प्रतिशत का ही उपयोग किया है। पर्यावरण, वन एवं जलवायु परिवर्तन मंत्रालय (एमओईएफसीसी) द्वारा जारी आंकड़ों से पता चला है कि एनसीएपी के अंतर्गत शामिल 131 शहरों में से 19 ने आवंटित धनराशि का 50 प्रतिशत से भी कम इस्तेमाल किया है तथा चार शहरों ने तीन मई तक प्राप्त धनराशि का 25 प्रतिशत से भी कम इस्तेमाल किया है। एनसीएपी 2019 में शुरू किया गया और यह स्वच्छ वायु लक्ष्य निर्धारित करने का भारत का पहला राष्ट्रीय प्रयास है। इसका लक्ष्य 2017 को आधार वर्ष मानकर 2024 तक पीएम10 (हवा में 10 माइक्रोमीटर या उससे कम आकार के कण) प्रदूषण में 20-30 प्रतिशत की कमी लाना है। कुल 46 शहरों और शहरी समूहों ने कार्यक्रम के अंतर्गत प्राप्त धनराशि का 75 प्रतिशत से भी कम खर्च किया, जो या तो उसे सीधे पर्यावरण मंत्रालय से या 15वें वित्त आयोग के माध्यम से प्राप्त हुई। वायु प्रदूषण से निपटने के लिए उत्तर प्रदेश के नोएडा को आवंटित 21.95 करोड़ रुपये में से केवल 1.43 करोड़ रुपये का इस्तेमाल किया है। बेंगलुरु ने 535.1 करोड़ रुपये में से केवल 68.37 करोड़ रुपये खर्च किए, नागपुर ने 132.6 करोड़ रुपये में से 17.71 करोड़ रुपये का उपयोग किया और विशाखापत्तनम ने प्राप्त 129.25 करोड़ रुपये में से 26.17 करोड़ रुपये खर्च किए। निधि का कम उपयोग वाले अन्य शहरों में पुणे (26.44 प्रतिशत), गुलबर्गा (27.2 प्रतिशत), वसई-विरार (28.01 प्रतिशत), नासिक (28.21 प्रतिशत), कोल्हापुर (28.37 प्रतिशत), विजयवाड़ा (29.16 प्रतिशत) , अंगुल (29.95 प्रतिशत), जमशेदपुर (35.78 प्रतिशत), दिल्ली (37.33 प्रतिशत), अनंतपुर (38.39 प्रतिशत), फरीदाबाद (38.89 प्रतिशत), दुर्ग भिलाईनगर (42.31 प्रतिशत), वाराणसी (46.25 प्रतिशत) , रांची (48.73 प्रतिशत), और जालंधर (48.81 प्रतिशत) शामिल हैं। पर्यावरण मुद्दों पर काम करने वाली संस्था ‘सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरनमेंट’ (सीएसई) ने शुक्रवार को एक रिपोर्ट जारी की। इसके अनुसार, कार्यक्रम की शुरूआत से अब तक 131 शहरों को आवंटित कुल 10,566 करोड़ रुपये में से 3 मई तक केवल 6,806 करोड़ रुपये (64 प्रतिशत) का ही उपयोग किया गया है।

Capital used only 29% of funds to clean air: Study

The assessment, released by CSE, analysed at the performance of states and UTs in terms of implementation of NCAP More than 70% of total funds Delhi received from the Centre as part of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) remain unutilised, making the national Capital the worst in terms of usage of climate funds among India’s states and Union territories, a new study has found. The assessment, released by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) on Friday, analysed the performance of states and UTs in terms of implementation of NCAP, which was introduced in 2019 and set ambitious targets for regions across India to bring down PM2.5 and PM10 levels by 25-30%. Delhi, according to the report, has so far utilised only ₹12.6 crore out of the ₹42.69 crore it has received from the Centre for NCAP between 2019-20 and 2023-24. This means that with a utilisation rate of 29.5%, Delhi proportionately used the least money among the 23 states and UTs which received funds during this period, the report showed. Other regions that fared poorly in terms of fund utilisation were Punjab (which used only 30.6% of central funds), Karnataka (31.4% of funds utilised), Jammu and Kashmir (34.9%), West Bengal and Assam (both 39.2%), and Meghalaya (39.9%), according to the report. The national average was 51%, it showed. At the other end of the spectrum, Jharkhand and Gujarat meanwhile were able to utilise 100% of the ₹6 crore and ₹12 crore they received to improve air quality there, it said. A total of 131 cities come under NCAP. The findings of the report are a damning reflection of the inaction of authorities in the face of yearly onslaught of pollution, particularly in the national capital. Delhi and its surrounding NCR cities consistently rank among the world’s most polluted cities, with Delhi commonly referred to as the most polluted national capitals. The pollution is exacerbated particularly in the winter months, after the burning of stubble in neighbouring states and bursting of firecrackers during Diwali. Delhi’s PM2.5 and PM10 levels generally shoot up to 10-20 times the national standards of 60 and 100 µg/m3 respectively, owing to meteorological factors such as low wind speed and low temperature. According to the report, Delhi ranked ninth under the recently launched Swacch Vayu Sarvekshana (SVS) rankings – a system which ranks cities based on their air quality and their implementation of activities approved under the city action plan (NCAP). However, based on NCAP’s assessment for cities, it received the lowest grade for failing to improve PM10. “This shows that while Delhi is taking overall action, it is faring poorly in the NCAP performance-linked assessment, which focuses mainly on PM10. This shows dust and high PM 10 is still a problem for Delhi and its surrounding region,” said Anumita Roy Chowdhury, executive director, research and advocacy at CSE. Cities faring well in terms of PM10 reduction are considered for incentive-based grants and a higher funding from the central government.

Delhi Utilised Less Than 30% Of Funds From Clean Air Prog

Delhi has utilised just 29.5% of the funds from National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) between 2019-20 and 2023-24, a latest report by Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has revealed. The report has raised concerns with the way NCAP has been run through the five years of its operation. The report titled “National Clean Air Programme: An Agenda for Reform” pointed out that while Delhi was among the worst polluted cities, most of the funding under NCAP has been invested in dust control measures rather than combustion-based PM2.5, which are far more harmful. NCAP was launched on Jan 10, 2019 with the target to reduce PM10 and PM2.5 levels by 40% by 2025-26 in 131 non-attainment cities, including Delhi. According to the report, a total of Rs 10,566 crore was released for the 131 cities, of which 64% was utilised for road dust mitigation, while much less had been allocated towards reducing emissions from combustion. “While NCAP’s objectives and aims have always been commendable, we are finding that attention and investments under it are largely focused on dust control, and not on emission-spewing combustion sources such as industries or vehicles. As much as 64% of the funds utilised under NCAP and the 15th Finance Commission have been spent on road dust mitigation. Much less has gone towards controlling emissions from combustion sources— with industrial pollution getting 0.6%, vehicular pollution 12.6% and biomass burning 14.5%,” said CSE director general Sunita Narain. The report points out that while the cities need to demonstrate improvement in PM10 levels to access the funds under NCAP, under the parallel programme of Swacch Vayu Sarvekshana, these cities are ranked based on policy measures implemented in managing sectors such as biomass, municipal solid waste, road dust, public awareness, besides improvement in PM10 concentrations. According to the report, Delhi ranked ninth under Swacch Vayu Sarvekshana for implementing policy measures but is at the bottom, scoring zero, under NCAP assessment for not improving PM10 levels. For the assessment year 2022-23, 18 best-scoring cities included Srinagar, Gorakhpur, Durgapur, Moradabad, Firozabad and Bareilly. Meanwhile, 53 cities were least performing, including Delhi, Chandigarh, Jhansi, Jammu, Noida and Udaipur. “The new agenda for clearing the air has to gear up for the scale and speed of change for transformative reform. This needs massive energy transition in all sectors, mobility transition to reduce automobile dependence and shift long-range transport from polluting roadways to railways and waterways, and circularity to close the loop around all waste streams. That is possible only if the method of tracking progress and compliance gets stronger,” says Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director, CSE.