Articles on 18 April 2025

What’s in Today’s Article?

• India’s Prison Conditions Latest News
• About the India Justice Report
• India’s Prison Healthcare Crisis Under Scrutiny
• Worsening Inmate Overcrowding
• Acute Shortage of Medical Professionals
• A Mental Health Emergency Behind Bars
• Invisibility of Disability in Prisons
• Recommendations and Way Forward
• India’s Prison Conditions FAQs

India’s Prison Conditions Latest News

• The Tata Trusts recently published the India Justice Report 2025 according to which Indian jails face extreme overcrowding and are battling multiple health challenges.

About the India Justice Report

• The India Justice Report (IJR) is a collaborative effort by several civil society organizations and policy think tanks. 
• It is a data-driven assessment that evaluates the justice delivery systems across India’s 36 States and UTs, covering five key sectors:
  • Police
  • Judiciary
  • Prisons
  • Legal Aid
  • Human Rights Commissions
• The report employs quantitative indicators to highlight both progress and persistent gaps in structural capabilities and public service delivery.

India’s Prison Healthcare Crisis Under Scrutiny

• The India Justice Report 2025 reveals alarming findings about the condition of Indian prisons, placing the spotlight on worsening overcrowding, the glaring lack of healthcare personnel, and the urgent need for mental health support across prison facilities. 
• With a rising inmate population and stagnant infrastructure development, the report flags a systemic failure that requires immediate policy attention.

Worsening Inmate Overcrowding

• The inmate population in India rose sharply from 3.8 lakh in 2012 to 5.7 lakh in 2022, and is projected to reach 6.8 lakh by 2030. 
• However, the available prison capacity stands at only 4.3 lakh, with a forecast of just 5.15 lakh by 2030, falling significantly short of demand.
• The national occupancy rate stands at 131%, a substantial jump from 112% in 2012.
• States like Maharashtra saw an occupancy spike from 99% to 161% over a decade.
• The report identifies overcrowding as a key contributor to communicable disease outbreaks, deteriorating living conditions, and increased strain on administrative and health infrastructure.

Acute Shortage of Medical Professionals

• The report highlights a 43% vacancy rate among prison medical officers, and the existing doctor-to-prisoner ratio stands at a staggering 1:775, far worse than the Model Prison Manual 2016 benchmark of 1:300.
• This deficit in medical staff hinders not only day-to-day healthcare but also responses to outbreaks, injuries, chronic illness management, and even forensic documentation.

A Mental Health Emergency Behind Bars

• Perhaps the most serious revelation of the report is the near-collapse of India’s prison mental healthcare system.
  • Only 25 psychologists are available for the entire prison population, equating to one psychologist for every 22,929 prisoners.
  • In 2022, India had 69 sanctioned posts for mental health professionals, but less than half were filled.
  • Not a single state or union territory meets the standard of 1 psychologist per 500 inmates.
• Mental illness among prisoners doubled from 4,470 in 2012 to 9,084 in 2022.
• Despite this surge, 25 States and Union Territories make no provision for a psychologist or psychiatrist within their correctional staff. 
• This gap poses immense risks, including increased suicides, unchecked behavioural issues, and relapse among those with substance use disorders.

Invisibility of Disability in Prisons

• The report also notes the absence of national-level data regarding prisoners entering jails with a disability or those who acquire disabilities during incarceration. 
• This undermines efforts to implement inclusive prison reforms or offer legal protection and special care to these vulnerable groups.

Recommendations and Way Forward

• The India Justice Report calls for:
  • Urgent recruitment of medical and mental health staff in jails.
  • Strategic investment in prison infrastructure expansion.
  • Regular publication of prison health and disability data.
  • Policy incentives for States to decongest prisons, especially through alternatives to incarceration like bail reforms and community sentencing.
• India’s prison system stands at a crossroads. As the country advances technologically and economically, its correctional system needs equal attention to ensure dignity, health, and safety for all inmates, aligning with international human rights standards.

India’s Prison Conditions FAQs

Q1. What is the current national prison occupancy rate in India?

Ans. India’s national prison occupancy rate is 131%, far exceeding its prison capacity.

Q2. How many psychologists are available for Indian prisons?

Ans. There are only 25 psychologists available for over 5.7 lakh prisoners across the country.

Q3. What is the ideal doctor-to-prisoner ratio as per the Model Prison Manual?

Ans. The benchmark is 1 doctor per 300 inmates. Currently, the national average is 1:775.

Q4. What was the rise in mental illness cases among inmates between 2012 and 2022?

Ans. The number of prisoners with recorded mental illness rose from 4,470 in 2012 to 9,084 in 2022.

Q5. What does the India Justice Report 2025 emphasize?

Ans. The report emphasizes urgent reforms in prison staffing, infrastructure, and healthcare delivery, especially mental health support.

Source :TH

What’s in Today’s Article?

• V2G Technology in India Latest News
• Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) Technology
• Global Adoption of V2G Technology
• Current Status of V2G in India
• V2G Technology in India FAQ’s

V2G Technology in India Latest News

• The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB), in collaboration with IIT Bombay, has launched a pilot project to evaluate the feasibility of integrating Electric Vehicles (EVs) with the State's power grid using Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology.
• The project aims to assess how EVs can support the grid during peak demand periods, leveraging EVs as a potential solution to balance the electricity load when solar energy is not accessible.

Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) Technology

• Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) refers to technologies that allow Electric Vehicle (EV) batteries to send power back to the grid. 
• When not in use, EVs can act as decentralized battery storage systems, supporting the power grid via bi-directional chargers.

Working of V2G

• V2G involves two key processes:
  • Grid-to-Vehicle (G2V): Power flows from the grid to charge the EV.
  • Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G): The EV discharges stored energy back into the grid when needed.

Broader Applications

• While V2G is the most prominent, EV batteries can also support:
  • Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) for powering household devices
  • Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) energy transfers between EVs

V2G Technology Can Support India’s Power Sector

• Demand-Side Management
  • Peak Load Reduction: EVs can discharge power during high-demand periods, reducing stress on power plants and lowering energy costs.
  • Load Balancing: Charging EVs during off-peak hours helps stabilize electricity demand throughout the day.
• Renewable Energy Integration
  • Storage for Volatile Renewables: V2G stores surplus solar and wind energy and releases it when needed, mitigating renewable intermittency.
  • Grid Balancing: Provides ancillary services like frequency regulation and voltage support for grid reliability.
• Grid Flexibility and Resilience
  • Backup Power Supply: V2G-enabled EVs can act as emergency power sources during outages.
  • Decentralized Storage: EVs offer local energy storage, reducing dependence on centralized plants.
• Economic Benefits
  • Cost Savings for EV Owners: Users can earn by selling excess energy back to the grid.
  • Improved Grid Efficiency: V2G boosts grid reliability and reduces operational costs for utilities.
• Additional Advantages
  • Smart Charging and Communication: Enables efficient energy flow through intelligent systems.
  • Environmental Impact: Supports the use of clean energy, helping reduce carbon emissions.

Global Adoption of V2G Technology

• Growth in Mature EV Markets
  • V2G technologies are rapidly advancing in countries with established EV ecosystems, such as the U.S. and Europe. 
  • EVs are increasingly seen as cost-effective distributed energy storage solutions.
• Incentivised Participation
  • United Kingdom and The Netherlands: EV owners receive compensation for supplying excess power to the grid during peak demand periods.
  • California, USA: EV users are encouraged to contribute to ancillary services, such as grid stability and frequency regulation, with attractive financial incentives.
• Decentralised Energy Storage and Emergency Use
  • EVs serve as crucial decentralized storage units, offering emergency power during outages and supporting disaster resilience amid increasing climate-related disruptions.

Current Status of V2G in India

• V2G technology in India is still in its infancy. The primary focus has been on expanding EV charging infrastructure rather than enabling power flow back to the grid.

Pilot Projects and Planning

• Some DISCOMs have initiated pilot projects for smart charging and V2G integration. 
• The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has formed a committee to develop guidelines for reverse charging from EVs to the grid.

Importance of Smart Charging

• The CEA committee identified smart charging as essential to support EV adoption while minimizing stress on the distribution grid.

Structural and Market Challenges

• India's electricity market is not yet equipped for decentralized systems like V2G. Key issues include:
  • Variability in renewable energy supply
  • Mismatches between electricity generation and demand

Need for Regulatory Support

• To enable large-scale V2G adoption, India must implement regulatory reforms that support bi-directional energy flow and incentivize EV owners.

V2G Technology in India FAQs

Q1. What is V2G technology?

Ans. V2G allows Electric Vehicle batteries to send power back to the grid, supporting energy management.

Q2. How does V2G support grid stability?

Ans. V2G helps balance demand and supply by discharging stored energy from EVs during peak hours, reducing grid stress.

Q3. What benefits does V2G offer?

Ans. V2G offers grid flexibility, renewable energy integration, peak load reduction, and economic benefits for EV owners.

Q4. Is V2G technology being adopted globally?

Ans. Yes, countries like the U.K., Netherlands, and the U.S. incentivize EV owners to provide power to the grid.

Q5. What challenges does V2G face in India?

Ans. India faces challenges like market structure issues, renewable energy variability, and the need for regulatory support for V2G.

Source: TH | BL

What’s in Today’s Article?

• FGD Mandate for Coal Plants Latest News
• Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD)
• Key Highlights of the Study
• FGD Mandate for Coal Plants FAQs

FGD Mandate for Coal Plants Latest News

• A study by the National Institute of Advanced Studies, commissioned by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser, has recommended that the Union Environment Ministry roll back its 2015 policy mandating all 537 coal-fired power plants to install Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) units. 
• Instead, the installation should be limited to plants using imported coal or coal with high sulphur content (>0.5%), ensuring a more cost-effective and targeted approach to reducing sulphur dioxide emissions.

Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD)

• Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) is a process used to remove sulphur dioxide (SO₂) from the exhaust gases of fossil fuel power plants and industrial sources.
• SO₂ is a harmful air pollutant that causes acid rain and respiratory issues. FGD helps reduce its presence in the atmosphere.

Working of FGD

• Absorption: An absorbent like lime, limestone, or ammonia reacts with SO₂.
• Scrubbing: The absorbent, often in slurry form, is sprayed into a scrubber tower to contact flue gases.
• Chemical Reaction: SO₂ reacts with the absorbent to form compounds like calcium sulphite or calcium sulphate.
• Byproducts: Some systems produce useful byproducts like gypsum, which is used in construction.

Regulatory Mandate in India

• The MoEF&CC has made FGD installation mandatory for all coal-fired thermal power plants to curb SO₂ emissions and comply with environmental norms.

Timeline of Compliance Extensions

• 2015: Emission Norms Introduced
  • MoEF&CC introduced strict SO₂ emission norms for coal-fired thermal power plants (TPPs).
  • Initial compliance deadline set for 2017.
• 2017: First Extension Granted
  • Ministry of Power requested a 7-year extension.
  • Supreme Court allowed a 5-year extension till 2022.
  • Plants in Delhi-NCR were to comply by 2019.
• 2021: Task Force and Categorization
  • April 1: MoEF&CC issued a notification to form a task force.
  • April 16: Task force created with officials from MoEF&CC, Power Ministry, CEA, and CPCB.
  • Plants categorized based on location:
    • Category A: Within 10 km of NCR/1M+ population cities — Deadline: Dec 31, 2022
    • Category B: Within 10 km of critically polluted/non-attainment cities — Dec 31, 2023
    • Category C: All other plants — Dec 31, 2024
• 2022: Deadlines Revised
  • New compliance deadlines announced in September:
    • Category A: Dec 31, 2024
    • Category B: Dec 31, 2025
    • Category C: Dec 31, 2026
• 2024: Final Extension Announced
  • December notification revised deadlines again for non-retiring plants:
    • Category A: Dec 31, 2027
    • Category B: Dec 31, 2028
    • Category C: Dec 31, 2029

Key Highlights of the Study

• FGD Mandate Should Be Rolled Back
  • The study recommended withdrawing the 2015 policy mandating FGD installation in all 537 coal-fired power plants.
• Apply FGD Only to High-Sulphur Coal Users
  • FGDs should be mandatory only for plants using imported or high-sulphur coal (>0.5%), not for those using domestic low-sulphur coal.
• Poor Compliance Despite Extended Deadlines
  • Although the original deadline for installing FGDs was 2018, only 8% of plants have complied, with deadlines now pushed to as late as 2029. 
  • Of the 537 plants, 230 are in various stages of installing FGDs, while 260 have yet to place orders.
• High Costs Make FGD Economically Unviable
  • FGD installation costs ₹1.2 crore per MW. With coal capacity expected to reach 283,000 MW by 2032, the financial burden is massive.
• Indian Coal Emits Less SO₂
  • The study pointed out that 92% of Indian coal has low sulphur content (0.3%–0.5%). 
  • Furthermore, existing pollution control norms—such as mandatory 220-metre stack heights—combined with Indian climatic conditions, are adequate to prevent harmful SO₂-related effects like acid rain. 
    • A 2024 IIT Delhi study referenced in the report confirms that acid rain is not a major concern in India.
• FGDs Could Worsen Global Warming
  • The report warns that widespread FGD installation could backfire environmentally. 
  • It would raise freshwater and power consumption in plants and add 69 million tonnes of CO₂ between 2025 and 2030, while only reducing SO₂ emissions by 17 million tonnes. 
  • Given that SO₂ helps mask global warming, indiscriminate removal of SO₂ emissions could actually intensify global warming, the study argues, referencing Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) findings.
• Focus Should Shift to Particulate Matter
  • Instead of targeting SO₂, the study recommends focusing on reducing particulate matter pollution, primarily caused by the high ash content in Indian coal. 
  • Installing electrostatic precipitators—available from Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited—could reduce PM emissions by 99% at a cost of just ₹25 lakh per MW, making it a more cost-effective and impactful solution.

FGD Mandate for Coal Plants FAQs

Q1. What is the FGD mandate for coal plants in India?

Ans. It mandates installation of Flue Gas Desulphurisation units to reduce sulphur dioxide emissions from all coal-fired power plants.

Q2. Why does the study oppose universal FGD installation?

Ans. High costs, low SO₂ in Indian coal, and minimal acid rain risks make universal FGD installation economically and environmentally inefficient.

Q3. Which coal plants should install FGDs, according to the study?

Ans. Only those using imported or high-sulphur coal with sulphur content greater than 0.5% should install FGDs.

Q4. How can particulate matter pollution be reduced cost-effectively?

Ans. Installing electrostatic precipitators can cut particulate matter by 99% at just ₹25 lakh per MW, says the study.

Q5. What are the environmental downsides of widespread FGD use?

Ans. FGDs consume water, raise CO₂ emissions, and removing SO₂ could worsen global warming by reducing atmospheric cooling effects.

Source: TH | BL | DTE