World · India Bureau
Scientists urge India government to withdraw E20 fuel rollout
A coalition of scientists, academics and activists has called on the government to reverse its E20 petrol initiative, citing concerns about its implementation and broader policy issues.
LSN India ·
During the India March for Science, a group representing the scientific community submitted a formal letter to the government requesting the withdrawal of the E20 fuel rollout programme. The petition highlighted technical and practical concerns about the ethanol-blended petrol variant's deployment across the country.
Beyond the fuel policy, the scientists and academics raised two additional demands in their submission. They called for the dissolution of the National Test Agency (NTA), which administers key competitive examinations, and urged the government to enact legislation against superstition and unscientific practices.
The India March for Science has established itself as a platform for the scientific community to engage with policymakers on issues affecting research, education and public welfare. The letter represents growing concerns among researchers about fuel standards, examination administration and the need for evidence-based governance in key sectors.
The government has not yet responded to the coalition's demands. The E20 fuel programme, which increases ethanol blending in petrol to 20 percent, has been promoted as an environmentally friendly initiative to reduce emissions and support domestic bio-fuel production.