Globally power is one of the major catalysts for economic development and for strengthening the infrastructure, besides being a basic human need. India's installed capacity was around 100,000 MW by the 9^th Five Year Plan (FYP) (end of 2003). Power deficit was at 7-9% and peak deficit at 15-18%. India's per capita power consumption was 704 kWh in 2007-08, which was much below the world average of around 2600 kWh (2005). The Power Ministry aims to provide 1000 kWh for the per capita consumption by 2012. A dismal 43% of the population has access to power. The main challenge is to reduce the demand and supply gap of power.

There is a fine interconnection between the availability of power and economic development of the masses of any country. Power leads to industrialization and helps in the creation of jobs. Industrialization and power lead to automation, improvement in the banking and communication system, and further affects the money markets and financial institutions. The funds that are generated could be used for further development of power and other core infrastructure sectors. The study aims to gather a general opinion of the participants about the prevailing condition of the sector, issues and challenges and whether the measures already undertaken are adequate. The investigation was done using the Delphi method, wherein experts and employees working in various capacities both in public as well as private segment of the Indian power sector have been approached to gauge their views and opinions. This method was resorted to due to the sensitivity of their replies and implicit request for anonymity.

The objective of this paper is to corroborate the identified and documented issues and challenges faced by the Indian Power sector, to identify the possible solutions for the same (if any), and also to ascertain whether there is any consensus of perspective on the issues. A fringe purpose was also to see if any new issues are highlighted.

Infrastructure Journal, Indian Power Sector, Economic Development, Industrialization, Money Markets, Rural Electrification, Pumpset Energization, Energy Information Administration, Economic Crisis, Power Generation Projects, State Electricity Board, Government Intervention, Political Intervention, Strategic Management, Infrastructural Development.