Review of Uttarakhand Solar Policy in Perspective of rural Development and Sustainable livelihood in hilly areas

Uttarakhand is one of the fastest growing states in India maintaining GDP growth rate of around 7-9% in recent years. The plain districts have major influence in the growth of Uttarakhand rather than the hilly districts which are vulnerable in terms of socio-economic development. The lack of holistic approach towards community development at grassroot level in rural areas has put them far behind in terms of overall growth. Although, Uttarakhand has emphasized to establish the relationship between solar energy and sustainable development through Uttarakhands solar policy but somehow it still requires transformation in terms of rural centric approach. Inadequate support from policy and infrastructure puts solar energy out of reach of rural community. The paper critically reviews the Uttarakhand solar policy through SWOT analysis and recommends how the gaps in existing policy can be bridged affecting the development of rural hilly areas.