Sarthak Shukla

A doctoral student at the Department of Urban & Rural Development, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, I have been working in the domain of development studies and public policy since 2019. Having worked in multiple think tanks and policy organisations in India, I have been a part of multiple research-cum-advocacy projects around sustainable development, inclusive economies, energy, worker welfare, just transitions, responsible renewable energy and oil exploration sector. In pursuit of deeper intellectual engagements and freedom, I entered academics to give it PhD try!

1. PhD Project – Reimagining land futures for sustainable development in India (August, 2023 to September 2027 - Ongoing) 
The aim of this project is to explore the possibilities of returning land currently occupied by coal to communities in central- eastern India in support of just and sustainable livelihoods. This PhD research is part of a larger project funded by the Swedish Research Council (https:// www.slu.se/land-futures). The wider project draws on GIS and qualitative methods to explore land questions across the three main coal-producing states of India. The PhD research is based in one of the states focusing on the town of Korba where India’s largest coal mines are located. The research proposes an inter-disciplinary framework grounded in political ecology in order to understand the extent of, and contradictory claims over, coalfield lands at a unique moment in time when coal might finally be about to reduce its hold over Indian energy systems and indigenous territories. This research probes not only the possibilities to end coal, but to do so with justice by making use of coal lands as the basis of new livelihoods and new hope in the midst of degraded coal lands. 
2. SiteRight Tool - For promoting responsible renewable energy in India (October 2022-August 2023) 
Worked as a Policy Officer at Vasudha Foundation India looking at the project of SiteRight Tool funded by The Nature Conservancy. The SiteRight tool identifies areas where solar and wind development is less likely to encounter socio-ecological conflicts, thereby helping to reduce project delays and cost overruns. SiteRight uses the best available information to support early screening and inform siting decisions. It should be one of the sources of information to be considered when taking siting decisions. The tool is NOT intended to replace the need for a site-level assessment of impacts or consult relevant agencies before making siting decisions. 
3. Energy Transition Platform in South Asia – (October 2022-August 2023) 
Worked as a Policy Officer at Vasudha Foundation India looking at the project Energy Transition Platform in South Asia. The Heinrich Boell Stiftung supports the Energy Transition Platform for South Asia, helmed by our partner organization Vasudha Foundation since 2018. The idea for the platform emerged from a capacity building visit to Germany arranged with the Foundation’s partners in Asia. The dialog visit explored concepts and practices related to the German Energy Transition or “Energiewende” and identified the need for a joint engagement also in South Asia. A scoping workshop held in November 2019 brought together energy experts and practitioners from South Asia and the and defined the platfoms vision as a “Fossil Fuel Free South Asia by 2050”. The Energy Transition Platform South Asia brings together partners from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka with the aim to explore opportunities for joint advocacy from a regional to a country level, towards a transition to an energy future in line with the Paris Agreement. 

PhD Student - August 2023 to Ongoing - Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden

Masters of Science in Regulatory Governance - June 2017 to May 2019 - Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, India

Bachelor of Technology in Electrical Engineering - June 2013 to July 2017 - G. B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar, India 

Research Papers

Book Chapters

Shukla, S. & Pachouri, R. (2023). Policy Framework for Energy Transition in India. In: Mohanty, M., & Sarkar, R. (eds). The Role of Coal in a Sustainable Energy Mix for India. Routledge India. 135-155.

Shukla, S., Thakare, S. & Pachouri, R. (2023). Deep Electrification in India. In: Mohanty, M., & Sarkar, R. (eds). The Role of Coal in a Sustainable Energy Mix for India. Routledge India. 104-116.

Vasudha Foundation (2023). People-centric Approach Key to Rapid and Effective Clean Energy Transition. https://www.vasudha-foundation.org/wp-content/uploads/Indias-Power-Outlook-%E2%80%93-Volume-9-People-Centric-Approach-Key-to-Rapid-and-Effective-Clean-Energy-Transition.pdf

CUTS International (2021). Strengthening the Discourse on Good and Better Jobs in India: Food Processing Sector. https://cuts-ccier.org/pdf/report-food-processing-sector-in-india.pdf

IRADe (2021). Whitepaper on Regional Regional Parliamentary Forum on Energy Cooperation & Energy Trade in South Asia. https://cuts-ccier.org/pdf/whitepaper-on-regional-parliamentary-forum-on-energy-cooperation-and-energy-trade-in-south-asia.pdf

CUTS International (2020). Impact of E-mobility Transition on Jobs: A Case Study of Jaipur, Rajasthan. https://cuts-ccier.org/pdf/Impact_of_E-mobility_Transitions_on_Jobs_A_case_study_of_Jaipur-Rajasthan.pdf

CUTS International (2020). Strengthening the Discourse on Good and Better Jobs in India: Textiles and Clothing Sector. https://cuts-ccier.org/pdf/report-textile-and-clothing-sector-in-india.pdf

Maira, A., & Shukla, S. (2024). The Values That Govern Us: Reforming the State. https://thewire.in/economy/the-values-that-govern-us-reforming-the-state (The Wire India: 6 December 2024)

Maira A., & Shukla, S. (2024). The Values That Govern Us: The legitimate private state. https://thewire.in/economy/the-values-that-govern-us-the-legitimate-private-state (The Wire India: 5 December 2024)

Shukla, S., & Maira, A. (2024). Who really runs India's policy: The dangerous grip of sarkar-bazaar nexus. https://theprint.in/opinion/who-really-runs-indias-policy-the-dangerous-grip-of-sarkar-bazaar-nexus/2262440/ (The Print: 12 September 2024)

Shukla, S. (2024). Sustainable Finance Taxonomy for India: Just another taxonomy or a ‘just’ taxonomy? https://in.boell.org/en/sustainable-finance-taxonomy (Blog: 1 August 2024)

Shukla, S. (2023). Decoding ‘just transition’ in India: The conceptual underpinnings. https://www.indiawaterportal.org/climate-change/climate/decoding-just-transition-india-conceptual-underpinnings (India Water Portal: 5 June 2023)

Shukla, S. (2023). Implementing ‘Just Transition’ in India – The Framework and Methodological Considerations. https://www.vasudha-foundation.org/implementing-just-transition-in-india-the-framework-and-methodological-considerations/ (Blog: 17 May 2023)

Shukla, S., & Singh, K. (2022). Unwiring the 'system' of India's clean energy transition. https://carboncopy.info/unwiring-the-system-of-indias-clean-energy-transition/ (Blog: 31 May 2022)

Singh, K., & Shukla, S. (2022). Will a just transition be the silver bullet for India’s climate action? https://india.mongabay.com/2022/03/commentary-will-a-just-transition-be-the-silver-bullet-for-indias-climate-action/ (Commentary - Mongabay India: 17 March 2022)

Shukla, S., & Kumar, A. (2022). Transformative approach towards job creation key for just energy transition. https://energy.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/renewable/opinion-transformative-approach-towards-job-creation-key-for-just-energy-transition/89994077 (The Economic Times: 4 March 2022)

Shukla, S. (2022). India must tackle the dark side of its solar dreams. https://news.trust.org/item/20220214212202-mbhs8/ (Thomson Reuters Foundation: 16 February 2022)

Shukla, S. (2022). Big Tech and climate change: There’s more to it than meets the eye. https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/big-tech-and-climate-change-theres-more-to-it-than-meets-the-eye (Observer Research Foundation Blogs: 12 January 2022)

Shukla, S. (2021). Climate change and youth: Policymakers can learn significantly from the ‘mature’ cohort of young climate warriors. https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/climate-change-and-youth (Observer Research Foundation Blogs: 9 December 2021)

Shukla, S. (2021). Transport sector needs a sustainability transformation going beyond just an e-mobility transition. https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/transport-sector-needs-a-sustainability-transformation (Observer Research Foundation Blogs: 25 November 2021)

Shukla, S. (2021). Winter air pollution and stubble burning in North India: A regulatory governance perspective. https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/winter-air-pollution-and-stubble-burning-in-north-india (Observer Research Foundation Blogs: 20 November 2021)

Shukla, S., & Kumar, A. (2021). Participatory governance needs to be more effective for just transitions in India. https://india.mongabay.com/2021/10/commentary-participatory-governance-needs-to-be-more-effective-for-just-transitions-in-india/ (Commentary - Mongabay India: 25 October 2021)

Singhal, R., & Shukla, S. (2021). What EV makers can learn from the Apple story. https://cleanmobilityshift.com/market-trends/what-ev-makers-can-learn-from-the-apple-story/ (Blog: 13 October 2021)

Sharma, A., & Shukla, S. (2021). A ‘just transition’: Is India’s green transition inclusive? https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/a-just-transition-is-indias-green-transition-inclusive (Observer Research Foundation Blogs: 17 September 2021)

Shukla, S. (2021). Lessons from India: Moving beyond just optics for a ‘just’ e-mobility transition. https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/moving-beyond-just-optics-for-a-just-e-mobility-transition (Observer Research Foundation Blogs: 3 September 2021)

Shukla, S. (2021). Miracles and mirages: The double-faced perspectives of just energy transition in India. https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/miracles-and-mirages (Observer Research Foundation Blogs: 10 July 2021)

Shukla, S., & Singh, S. (2021). Systems thinking inevitable for a ‘just’ e-mobility transition in India. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/voices/systems-thinking-inevitable-for-a-just-e-mobility-transition-in-india/ (The Times of India: 25 June 2021)

Shukla, S. & Roy, A. (2021). In its mission to go green, India must focus on just transition. https://www.moneycontrol.com/europe/?url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/opinion/energy-in-its-mission-to-go-green-india-must-focus-on-just-transition-7065271.html (Moneycontrol: 21 June 2021)

Mehta, P. S., Shukla, S., & Tak, P. (2021). A case of misplaced notions: Worker welfare and economic growth need a changed discourse in India. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/policy/a-case-of-misplaced-notions-worker-welfare-and-economic-growth-need-a-changed-discourse-in-india/articleshow/83596894.cms?from=mdr (The Economic Times: 17 June 2021)

Shukla, S., & Sinha, S. (2021). Cobra Effect in Indian Power Sector: Unregulated growth of Regulatory Assets. https://energy.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/power/opinion-cobra-effect-in-indian-power-sector-unregulated-growth-of-regulatory-assets/83104973 (The Economic Times Energyworld: 31 May 2021)

Shukla, S., & Sinha, S. (2020). Covid and China: The C-factors in India’s Road to Atmanirbharta. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/view-covid-and-china-the-c-factors-in-indias-road-to-atmanirbharta/articleshow/79242740.cms?from=mdr (The Economic Times: 16 November 2020)

Mehta, P. S., & Shukla, S. (2020). Boost Economy Beyond Economics 101. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/indicators/view-boost-economy-beyond-economics-101/articleshow/79152413.cms?from=mdr (The Economic Times: 10 November 2020)

Shukla, S., & Raj, A. (2020). Indian Electric Vehicle Conundrum. https://energy.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/power/opinion-indian-electric-vehicle-conundrum-a-tale-of-opportunities-amid-uncertainties/78130992?utm_source=copy&utm_medium=pshare (The Economic Times Energy World: 17 September 2020)

Sinha, S., & Shukla, S. (2020). Fostering Inclusive Development in Indo-Nepal. https://energy.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/power/opinion-fostering-inclusive-development-in-indo-nepal-via-power-trading/77281858 (The Economic Times Energy World: 1 August 2020)

Mehta, P.S., & Shukla, S. (2020). Skill development holds the key to reinvent Indian workforce in times of Covid. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/company/corporate-trends/view-skill-development-holds-the-key-to-reinvent-indian-workforce-in-times-of-covid/articleshow/76904664.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst (The Economic Times: 11 July 2020)

Mehta, P. S., & Shukla, S. (2020). A tale of disconnected dots: The regulatory algorithm behind Electricity Amendment Bill 2020. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/energy/power/a-tale-of-disconnected-dots-the-regulatory-algorithm-behind-electricity-amendment-bill-2020/articleshow/75935378.cms?from=mdr (The Economic Times: 24 May 2020)

Mehta, P., & Shukla, S. (2020). Reclaiming lost glory: Systemic solutions are the need of the hour for modern Indian textile industry. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/cons-products/garments-/-textiles/reclaiming-lost-glory-systemic-solutions-are-the-need-of-the-hour-for-modern-indian-textile-industry/articleshow/75571078.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst (The Economic Times: 6 May 2020)