India faces the challenge of balancing rapid economic development and increasing energy demand with environmental sustainability and social justice, especially as it transitions from fossil fuels to cleaner energy sources. With India projected to account for 25% of global energy demand growth by 2040 and a large working-age population, ensuring adequate energy supply is crucial to avoid a "demographic disaster." This necessitates a comprehensive "just transition" framework to address the complex socio-economic and environmental impacts of phasing out fossil fuels, particularly regarding the livelihoods dependent on coal-based thermal power plants (TPPs).Despite the common focus on coal-bearing regions, TPPs are distributed across 22 states, making state-level interventions critical for a tailored and equitable transition. A proposed framework, guided by five pillars�Transitions and Governance, Planning, Development and Infrastructure, Natural Resources and Environmental Planning, and Capacity and Institutions�aims to manage challenges like TPP decommissioning or repurposing. This framework, informed by expert consultations, stakeholder engagement (including workers and local communities), and a case study of the Kota Super Thermal Power Station (KSTPS), identifies challenges and opportunities across various assessment layers (Natural Resources, Industrial, Habitation, Connectivity, Labour/Skilling, and Climate Vulnerability).To expedite the transition and ensure desirable outcomes, the study advocates for strengthened state-level steering committees for energy transition, with representation from key departments that possess independent structures and institutional capacity. The ultimate goal is to achieve a "just" and "equitable" transition by fostering fair and inclusive institutions, establishing robust procedures, and incentivizing a just process. This includes institutionalizing a social audit mechanism to ensure accountability and amplify the voices of vulnerable populations throughout the transition, ensuring prosperity and well-being for all while challenging systems of exclusion and discrimination.