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Dr. Vikesh Sharma

Dr. Vikesh Sharma

Assistant Professor

About

Dr. Vikesh Sharma holds a PhD in Economics from the IIT Bhubaneswar, India. His doctoral research, “Energy Choice, Livelihoods, and Conservation Nexus: A Case Study of Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary in Bihar, India”, offers an in-depth analysis of the intricate relationship between household energy choices, rural livelihoods, and biodiversity conservation. His research interests span clean energy transitions, natural resource management, ecotourism, climate change, and rural development. His teaching expertise spans econometrics, microeconomics, macroeconomics, environmental economics, development economics, mathematical economics, and statistics. Dr Sharma qualified for the UGC-NET examination in Economics in 2018 and 2019 and was awarded a Ministry of Education fellowship (Government of India) to pursue his doctoral studies from July 2019 to July 2024 at IIT Bhubaneswar. His research has been published in high-impact, Scopus- and SSCI-indexed Q1 journals, including Energy Research & Social Science, Energy Nexus, and Environmental Challenges. He has presented his study at leading national and international conferences and serves as a reviewer for reputable journals such as Scientific Reports and Energy Efficiency, reflecting his strong commitment to advancing scholarship in his field.

“Education is not only the birthright of every human being but also the key to unlock the golden door of freedom.” - Dr B R Ambedkar

Sharma, V., & Dash, M. (2024)
Assessing the impact of off-grid solar electricity in protected areas: A capabilities analysis of the Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary, India. Energy Research & Social Science, 118, 103770. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erss.2024.103770 (Scopus, SSCI, IF 7.4, Q1)

Sharma, V., & Dash, M. (2022)
Delineating Energy Consumption Behaviour: A Household-level Assessment from India’s Energy NEXUS Strategy. Energy Nexus, 6, 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nexus.2022.100085 (Scopus, IF 9.5, Q1)

Sharma V., & Dash M. (2022)
Household energy use pattern in rural India: A path towards sustainable development. Environmental Challenges, 6, 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envc.2021.100404 (Scopus, Q1)

My doctoral study explores the nexus between energy use, livelihoods, and biodiversity conservation in Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary, Bihar.

Survey data from 350 households reveal a strong dependence on natural resources for energy and livelihood.

Poverty, unemployment, illiteracy, and limited livelihood opportunities intensify pressure on forests, leading to deforestation and human–wildlife conflict.

LPG adoption remains minimal (3%), with over 80% relying on firewood due to affordability and accessibility issues.

Firewood collection reduces children’s school attendance and overall educational outcomes.

Solar electricity improved lighting, safety, and savings but suffers from poor maintenance and limited supply.

Strengthening eco-development committees, promoting ecotourism, and ensuring affordable clean energy can reduce forest dependence and enhance conservation.

Research Interests

Development and Natural Resource Economics

Clean Energy

Ecotourism

Rural Development

Climate Change

Qualified for the National Eligibility Test (NET) for the post of Assistant Professor in 2018 and 2019

The Ministry of Education, Government of India, awarded me a fellowship to pursue doctoral research from July 2019 to July 2024 at IIT Bhubaneswar.

Dr. Vikesh Sharma

Assistant Professor

PhD

School of Economics and Public Policy

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