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Discrimination in Accessing Cleaner Cooking Fuels and Electricity in North India: The Role of Caste, Tribe, and Religion

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  • Prabir C. Bhattacharya
  • Vibhor Saxena

Abstract

This paper studies the socio-economic determinants of access to cleaner cooking fuels and electricity by households in seven north Indian states in a multivariate framework. Together these states account for about 40 per cent of India’s population. We investigate, in particular, the role of any possible discrimination against the three major disadvantaged groups in the country – viz., the scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, and Muslims – in their accessing these goods. The results of our analysis suggest that discrimination against these groups, particularly against the Muslim households, does play an important role in their poorer access to both cleaner cooking fuels and electricity. The paper concludes with some policy suggestions.

Suggested Citation

  • Prabir C. Bhattacharya & Vibhor Saxena, 2015. "Discrimination in Accessing Cleaner Cooking Fuels and Electricity in North India: The Role of Caste, Tribe, and Religion," Heriot-Watt University Economics Discussion Papers 1502, Department of Economics, School of Management and Languages, Heriot Watt University.
    • Handle: RePEc:hwe:hwuedp:1502
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    JEL classification:

    • O13 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Agriculture; Natural Resources; Environment; Other Primary Products
    • Q40 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Energy - - - General

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