Gujarat tops Niti Aayog's state energy-climate index

New Delhi: Gujarat and Goa have emerged as the top performers in the Niti Aayog's State Energy and Climate Index-Round 1 (SECI) among larger and smaller states, respectively.

The SECI report was released at an event chaired by NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman Rajiv Kumar in New Delhi on Monday. Aayog member V.K. Saraswat and CEO Amitabh Kant were also present at the release.

The government think-tank, headed by the Prime Minister ranks states and Union Territories or UTs on six parameters. Kerala and Punjab followed Gujarat in the SECI ranking, while Tripura and Manipur ranked at second and third among smaller states. Chhattisgarh was the worst performing state, followed by Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand.

SECI is the first index that aims to track the efforts made by states and UTs in the climate and energy sector, the Niti report said. "It is hoped that an in-depth analysis of individual states will help in enhancing the service delivery on various parameters of energy. These parameters have been devised keeping in mind India's goals for climate change and clean energy transition."

The index consists of six parameters: DISCOM's performance; access, affordability and reliability; clean energy initiatives; energy efficiency; environmental sustainability; and new initiatives, the report said. "The parameters are further divided into 27 indicators. Based on the composite SECI score, the states and UTs are categorized into three groups: Front Runners, Achievers, and Aspirants."