Environmental fiscal reforms

Abstract

The paper presents concepts and instruments of environmental fiscal reforms (EFR) and their application in the Indian context. EFR can lead to environmental improvement more efficiently and cost effectively than traditional regulation. There is substantial experience of successful EFR implementation in the European Union. India has also adopted some EFR measures such as deregulation of petrol prices, coal cess, and subsidy for setting up common effluent treatment plants. The challenges of implementing EFR measures in India are also discussed, including inadequate analysis, policy framework and institutional capacity, as well as conflict with poverty reduction and building political support.

Keywords

• Environmental fiscal reform
• Eco-tax
• Green tax
• Environmentally harmful subsidies
• Market-based instruments
• Command and control
• Poverty reduction
• India