In the interim Union Budget 2024, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated that Union Government is planning to introduce schemes that would encourage Indian citizens to rely more on renewable resources. Going by the promise, PM Narendra Modi has announced PM Surya Ghar scheme on 13th February. He stated that the scheme is aimed to provide 300 units of free electricity to 1 crore households.
He made this announcement after flying to UAE for his two-day UAE and Qatar tour. He stated that the Union Government will be spending Rs.75,000 crores in subsidies to achieve the target. He said, “In order to further sustainable development and people’s wellbeing, we are launching the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. This project, with an investment of over Rs. 75,000 crores, aims to light up 1 crore households by providing up to 300 units of free electricity every month.”
PM Narendra Modi further stated that the people would be encouraged to apply through online by clicking on the Online Portal, specially designed for this purpose. He said, “From substantive subsidies, which will be given directly to people’s bank accounts, to heavily concessional bank loans, the Central Government will ensure that there is no cost burden on the people. All stakeholders will be integrated to a National Online Portal which will further convenience.”
He further made it clear how solar panels based energy or power generation would be helpful for people as well. He said, “In order to popularise this scheme at the grassroots, Urban Local Bodies and Panchayats shall be incentivised to promote rooftop solar systems in their jurisdictions. At the same time, the scheme will lead to more income, lesser power bills and employment generation for people.”
He shared the National Online Portal link and asked people to use the sustainable energy sources as much as they can. He said, “Let’s boost solar power and sustainable progress. I urge all residential consumers, especially youngsters, to strengthen the PM – Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana by applying at- https://pmsuryaghar.gov.in” The scheme will be promoting rooftop solar panels installation and power generation using the solar energy through these panels in Urban and Rural areas.
India being a tropical country, except for Monsoon Season, would be receiving Sunlight continuously for 8-9 months. Even in Monsoon season, only rainy days would make it hard to source the solar energy. So, this seems to be aimed at making India a prominent leader in using solar energy and pioneering in changing the carbon footprint. Let’s hope that would be the case.