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Centre of Excellence

Centre for Sub-National Engagement

Strengthening democratic institutions and advancing sustainable development.

About Centre for Sub-National Engagement

The Centre for Sub-National Engagement advances sustainable development by leveraging the tools and authority of subnational governments. Through evidence-based policymaking and strategic interventions, we strengthen program implementation, enable collaboration between governments and the private sector, and ensure the inclusion of last-mile communities and civil society agencies. We operate across diverse sectors, tackling critical issues such as climate governance, industrial decarbonization, social protection, and economic transitions. Through a combination of technical assistance, stakeholder engagement, and policy advocacy, we ensure that policies translate into effective on-ground implementation. Our approach is rooted in inclusivity, transparency, and long-term sustainability, ensuring that development efforts are both equitable and impactful.

Our Projects

State electricity distribution companies (DISCOMs) play a critical role in delivering reliable and affordable power, yet many face persistent financial and operational challenges that limit their ability to support clean energy integration. The Centre works with state utilities and governments to strengthen DISCOM capacity, improve system performance, and enable a smoother transition toward low-carbon power systems.

Key Objectives
  • Assess operational, financial, and governance gaps within DISCOMs.
  • Support integration of renewable energy into distribution networks.
  • Strengthen planning and decision-making frameworks at the utility level.
  • Improve service delivery and system reliability for consumers.
Our Approach
  • Technical Assistance: Providing hands-on support to DISCOMs on planning, performance improvement, and clean energy integration.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Working with state governments, regulators, and utilities to align reform priorities.
  • Monitoring & Evaluation: Developing performance tracking and feedback mechanisms to support implementation and course correction.

The SuBaH (Sun’s Blessings and Health) Program is a sub-national initiative that supports state governments in deploying renewable energy solutions across public health institutions. Designed to address rising energy costs and unreliable power supply in healthcare facilities, the program strengthens service delivery while advancing clean energy adoption through well-structured public–private models.

Key Objectives
  • Enable reliable and uninterrupted power supply for public health institutions.
  • Reduce recurring electricity expenditure through rooftop solar deployment
  • De-risk renewable energy projects to attract private sector participation.
  • Strengthen state capacity to scale clean energy solutions in public infrastructure.
Our Approach
  • Technical Assistance: Supporting state governments in designing and implementing RESCO-based solar models, including project structuring, tender design, and risk mitigation.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Working with nodal agencies and health departments to streamline approvals, standardise contracts, and improve implementation readiness.
  • Monitoring & Evaluation: Establishing performance and compliance mechanisms to ensure long-term operational efficiency and service reliability.

To support Uttar Pradesh's transition to a low-carbon economy, the Centre is implementing a comprehensive industrial decarbonization strategy. Our efforts focus on reducing emissions, improving energy efficiency, and ensuring economic resilience.

Key Objectives
  • Enhancing Awareness: Conducting workshops and district-level dialogues for MSMEs on net-zero strategies.
  • Funding Pathways: Identifying public and private finance mechanisms to support industrial transition.
  • Economic Development Offices: Establishing district-level offices to promote sustainable business practices.
Our Approach
  • Partnerships: Collaborating with government bodies and industry associations.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Facilitating policy discussions tailored to MSMEs ensuring a just transition.
  • Informed Strategies: Developing customized industry handbooks and knowledge resources.

Tea garden workers in West Bengal face persistent challenges in accessing fair wages and social protection. The Centre works with state administrations to strengthen labor rights and create scalable policy models.

Key Objectives
  • Assess the availability and accessibility of welfare schemes for tea workers.
  • Develop a bottom-up policy framework replicated across the state.
  • Strengthen public service delivery through direct engagement.
Our Approach
  • Technical Assistance: Partnering with Gov. of West Bengal for Aadhaar enrollment camps.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Connecting NGOs and policymakers to address gaps.
  • Monitoring & Evaluation: Establishing real-time feedback mechanisms.