Page 74 - Policy Economic Report - September 2026

POLICY AND ECONOMIC
OIL & GAS MARKET

Shri Singh highlighted Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) as a framework for translating
environmental protection into simple, everyday actions. The Minister said mindful utilisation of
natural resources, instead of wasteful consumption, can enable citizens to contribute to
environmental conservation. He urged citizens to adopt three measures for sustainable cooling: get
air-conditioners serviced by certified and skilled technicians who handle refrigerants safely; set AC
temperatures at a comfortable level, preferably around 24 degrees Celsius, to save electricity and
reduce carbon emissions; and choose high star-rated, energy-efficient appliances using climate-
friendly refrigerants.

Smt. Munde said Maharashtra is working towards Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision for a
developed India by 2047, with a focus on decarbonisation, sustainable development and
environment-friendly growth. She said Maharashtra is preparing roadmaps and action plans to
integrate ozone-layer protection and climate action, while also advancing energy-efficient and
climate-responsive cooling systems and buildings, particularly in view of the State’s rapid urbanisation
and rising temperatures.

UNDP Country Head Ms. Angela Lusigi said India’s implementation of the Montreal Protocol
demonstrates that economic growth and environmental protection can advance together.
Highlighting India’s progress in phasing out ozone-depleting substances, she said the country’s targets
have often been achieved ahead of schedule, while promoting low-impact technologies,
strengthening small and medium enterprises and training technicians in new refrigerants, creating
opportunities for green jobs.

GIZ Country Director and Head Ms. Ulrike Ebeling said that India and Germany are working together
to advance climate-friendly cooling solutions and support implementation of the HCFC Phase-out
Management Plan Stage III (2025–2030), with a focus on the refrigeration and air-conditioning
servicing sector. She highlighted efforts to establish a nationally recognised certification system for
air-conditioning technicians, with a target to train 25,000 technicians by 2030, besides strengthening
training capacity in the cooling sector.

The event also witnessed the announcement of the adoption of 248 Industrial Training Institutions by
12 Refrigeration and Airconditioning (RAC) manufacturers through a 4-Party Memorandum of
Agreement comprising RAC manufacturers, Ozone Cell, Regional Directorate, Directorate General of
Training (DGT) and State Directorate, DGT. The initiative is aimed at strengthening training
infrastructure for the next generation of technicians. The institutional partnership aims to align
classroom learning with industry standards. This synergy will build a workforce skilled in eco-friendly,
low-global-warming-potential (GWP) technologies, directly supporting India’s commitments under
the Montreal Protocol and the India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP).

Publications based on studies conducted by the Ozone Cell, MoEF&CC were released on the occasion.
The event also featured the announcement of winners of a national school-level poster and slogan
writing competitions, as well as winners of a national online quiz competition. A video film showcasing

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