Power Sector in India
Power is one of the most critical components of the infrastructure which is very crucial for economic growth and the welfare of the nations. The existence and development of ‘Power’ are essential for the sustained growth of the Indian economy in a full-fledged manner.
India’s power sector is the most diversified in the world. The sources of power generation range from conventional sources like coal, lignite, natural gas, oil, hydro, and also nuclear power. This extends to the non-conventional sources as well such as wind, solar, and agricultural and domestic waste.
We will learn about this infrastructure in great detail.
Meaning and Challenges of Power
We are quite clear about the meaning of Power. To recapitulate, ‘Power’ is the most crucial infrastructure that helps a nation to survive economically. This is being considered as the basic essential for a development process. All the commercial and societal hub depends upon this infrastructure.
First, we will head on to the problems as are faced by this infrastructure
1. The troubles of the power companies can be traced down to structural issues such as:
No meaningful price reforms
Less reliable fuel supply and
The unsustainable finances of the public sector power distribution companies.
2. Stressed Accounts:
The power sector does have stressed accounts. It has 34 stressed accounts which is worth Rs 1.8 lakh crore, this is the biggest worry for the banks as resolving the matter through IBC will erode the actual value of assets.
3. Next, the Standing Committee on Energy has observed that the development in the power sector is not being balanced. Apart from the de-licensing generation which has helped the increased generation activities, the other segments like the transmission and distribution, have not been given much attention.
4. Paying Attention to Power- Coal:
The shortage of this fuel for power plants has become very critical in recent months. Many of the coal mines are already sold off in an auction, the verdict as being mandated by the Supreme Court is not at all operational.
Continued and increasing dependence on imported coal has created deficiencies in the domestic capacity.
The Mining in a number of coal blocks was stuck up for want of clearances.
Sources of Power Generation in India
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The main and the important sources of the power generation of India are the –
Thermal Power
Hydro-Electricity Power
Nuclear and Atomic Power.
All the sources of power assist the nation in their own specialized way. Now we will study a table which will give us an idea about the capacity of the sources that are working in the country.
Current Situation of Various Sources of Power Generation in India is given below:
The Demand For this Infrastructure
Electricity demand in the country has increased quite rapidly and this is expected to rise further in the future years. Also, to meet the increasing demand for electricity in the country, a huge addition is to be installed for generating the capacity as required.
In the year 2018, May, India ranked fourth in the Asia Pacific region out of the 25 nations on an index that measures the overall power of this industry.
India ranked fourth in wind power and positioned fifth in solar power and fifth in renewable power. Also, as a matter of data, India ranked sixth in the list of countries that had made significant investments in clean energy at US$ 90 billion.
FAQs on Understanding Power: Meaning and Challenges
1. What is the basic meaning of 'power' in social studies?
In social studies, power is understood as the ability to influence or control the actions and behaviour of others. It is the capacity to make people do something they might not have done otherwise. This influence can be exercised through persuasion, force, or authority.
2. What are the main types of power that exist in a society?
Power can be classified into several types based on its source. The main forms include:
- Coercive Power: Based on the threat of force or punishment.
- Reward Power: The ability to grant rewards, like promotions or benefits.
- Legitimate Power: Power that comes from a formal position or role, such as a manager or a political leader.
- Expert Power: Derived from having special knowledge or skills.
- Referent Power: Stems from being trusted, respected, or admired by others.
3. How is 'power' different from 'authority'?
While they are closely related, 'power' and 'authority' are not the same. Power is the raw ability to force someone to act, which can be either legitimate or illegitimate. In contrast, authority is power that is seen as legitimate and justified by the people it is used on. For example, a bully might have power, but a teacher has authority in a classroom.
4. What are some of the biggest challenges related to the use of power?
The primary challenges of power include its potential for misuse and corruption. When power is concentrated in the hands of a few without checks, it can lead to oppression and harm the public good. Another major challenge is ensuring that power is held accountable and used responsibly, which is a constant struggle in political and social systems.
5. Why is it important to understand how power works in society?
Understanding how power works is crucial because it affects everyone's daily life, from family dynamics to national politics. It helps us recognise how decisions are made, who benefits from them, and how resources are distributed. This knowledge empowers us to identify injustice, challenge unfair authority, and work towards a more equitable society by holding leaders accountable.
6. How can an ordinary citizen exercise power in a democracy?
In a democracy, an ordinary citizen can exercise power in several meaningful ways. The most common method is by voting in elections to choose representatives. Citizens can also influence decisions by participating in peaceful protests, signing petitions, engaging in public debates, and using social media to raise awareness about important issues. These actions help ensure that the government remains responsive to the will of the people.
