Institutional Mechanisms for Climate Policy Implementation in India

India’s institutional framework for climate policy implementation relies on a multi-tiered governance structure spanning executive bodies, dedicated ministries, specialized committees, state-level departments, and sectoral agencies. This institutional ecosystem translates national climate goals, such as the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement and the Net-Zero by 2070 target, into actionable sectoral plans, legislative frameworks, and state-level strategies.

Apex Administrative and Executive Bodies

Prime Minister’s Council on Climate Change (PMCCC)

• Set up in 2007, the PMCCC serves as the highest advisory body for national climate policy coordination and strategic direction.
• The Council is chaired by the Prime Minister and includes key Cabinet Ministers, senior bureaucrats, scientific experts, and civil society representatives.
• It oversees the execution of the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) and coordinates inter-ministerial efforts on adaptation and mitigation.

Apex Committee for Implementation of Paris Agreement (AIPA)

• Constituted in November 2020 under the chairmanship of the Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
• Comprises senior representatives from 14 central ministries to maintain inter-ministerial coordination on India’s NDC commitments.
• Functions as the designated National Authority for regulating carbon markets in India under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.

Executive Committee on Climate Change (ECCC)

• Headed by the Cabinet Secretary to monitor the progress of various national climate missions.
• Provides operational coordination among ministries and addresses inter-departmental hurdles in mission implementation.

Nodal Ministry and Specialized Agencies

Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)

• Serves as the central nodal ministry for climate change negotiations, policy formulation, and international reporting.
• Houses the Climate Change Division, which manages national communications and biennial update reports to the UNFCCC.
• Coordinates the implementation of the National Action Plan on Climate Change and state-level climate initiatives.

Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)

• Statutory body established under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001, operating under the Ministry of Power.
• Implements the Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) scheme and the Standards & Labelling program to drive industrial and consumer energy efficiency.
• Administers the Indian Carbon Market (ICM) and the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) framework.

National Designated Authority for Article 6 (NDAIAPA)

• Notified in May 2022 to evaluate and approve carbon credit projects under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.
• Regulates bilateral and international cooperative approaches for carbon trading involving Indian entities.

Sub-National and Sectoral Implementation Architecture

State Action Plans on Climate Change (SAPCC)

• States and Union Territories formulate individual SAPCCs aligned with the core objectives of the NAPCC.
• State Steering Committees on Climate Change, chaired by respective Chief Secretaries, oversee local climate adaptation and mitigation plans.
• State Nodal Agencies coordinate with central ministries and mobilize finance through mechanisms like the National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change (NAFCC).

Sectoral Ministries and Technical Institutions

• Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE): Directs national renewable energy targets, implementing schemes for solar, wind, and green hydrogen expansion.
• Central Electricity Authority (CEA): Prepares the National Electricity Plan and monitors grid integration of non-fossil fuel power generation.
• National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD): Functions as a National Implementing Entity (NIE) for the Adaptation Fund and Green Climate Fund (GCF) in India.

Key Frameworks and Institutional Functions

Key Facts and Data Summary

• The Prime Minister’s Council on Climate Change was initially constituted in 2007 to steer national climate strategy.
• The National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) launched in June 2008 initially comprised eight national missions.
• The Apex Committee for Implementation of Paris Agreement (AIPA) was notified in November 2020 with 17 members.
• The Secretary of MoEFCC serves as the Chairperson of AIPA, while the Additional Secretary acts as the Vice-Chairperson.
• India submitted its updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to the UNFCCC in August 2022.
• India’s updated NDCs target a 45% reduction in GDP emission intensity by 2030 compared to 2005 levels.
• India aims to achieve 50% cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil energy sources by 2030.
• The Energy Conservation (Amendment) Act, 2022 provided the statutory foundation for the domestic Carbon Credit Trading Scheme.
• NABARD serves as an accredited National Implementing Entity for the global Green Climate Fund in India.
• The National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change (NAFCC) was established in 2015-16 to support vulnerable states in climate adaptation.