PM SURYA GHAR FREE ELECTRICITY SCHEME-A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY FOR BHOJPUR

PM SURYA GHAR FREE ELECTRICITY SCHEME-A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY FOR BHOJPUR

14-FEB-ENG 12

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA-------------------------An important workshop was organized to comprehensively analyze the energy, economic, and environmental benefits accruing to consumers under the PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme. District Magistrate Tanay Sultania highlighted the scheme's nuances and its long-term impact, urging residents of the district to take advantage of this golden opportunity.

In his address, the District Magistrate clarified that these central and state government schemes have two primary objectives. The first is to take concrete steps towards environmental protection, and the second is to minimize or reduce consumers' electricity bill burden. Examples of successful implementation of this scheme already exist in Bhojpur district. Many conscious consumers in the district have installed solar panels, and their electricity bills have now reached zero. It's noteworthy that these consumers are not those whose consumption was within the 125-unit limit set by the state government, but rather, those large consumers whose consumption significantly exceeded this limit. The use of solar energy has not only reduced their bills to zero, but through net metering, some consumers have even received negative bills because they have supplied their excess electricity to the grid.

The District Magistrate explained that previously, consumers often complained of inaccurate readings and unexpected bills during manual meter readings. Average billing when homes were closed caused dissatisfaction. However, the integration of smart meters and solar panels has completely changed this scenario. Consumers have increased trust in the system. Smart meters are able to track their actual consumption, which has increased awareness about energy savings and better management of electronic devices.

The process for the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana has been simplified and transparent. Thousands of vendors are listed across the state. Consumers simply need to apply through the official portal and select the vendor of their choice. Vendors then visit homes to verify technical feasibility. The government is providing substantial subsidies under this scheme. Under current provisions, a subsidy of ₹30,000 is provided for a 1-kilowatt installation, ₹60,000 for a 2-kilowatt installation, and a maximum of ₹78,000 for panels up to 3-kilowatt installations. Given the estimated cost of a 3-kilowatt system of approximately ₹2 lakh, the subsidy reduces consumer costs by approximately 50 percent.

A significant achievement for Bhojpur district is that it has approximately 125,000 BPL consumers, whose monthly consumption typically hovers around 250 watts. The state government has developed a special scheme for these consumers, under which free solar rooftop panels will be installed on their rooftops. Consumers don't need to visit any office for this purpose; they simply need to provide their consent through the "Suvidha App." The District Magistrate emphasized that this is a golden opportunity for 1.25 lakh families to be free from the worry of electricity bills for life and contribute to the state's development by participating in energy production.

Sharing the district's demographic data, the District Magistrate expressed concern that in this vast district with a population of approximately 3.5 lakh and six to seven lakh households, only 350 people have so far benefited from the PM Surya Ghar Yojana. While this number ranks the district 10th in the state, it is not satisfactory considering the district's potential. He called on public representatives, media representatives, and bank officials to widely publicize the scheme. It is especially essential to spread this message in Mahadalit colonies and rural areas where the need for electricity is greatest.

This scheme could prove to be a milestone in the global context of environmental protection. The District Magistrate praised the innovations of the younger generation and engineering college students, noting that today's projects are paying special attention to solar energy and environmental protection. He said, “Drop by drop fills the ocean.” If every family installs solar panels in their homes and inspires those around them, Bhojpur district will not only become energy self-sufficient but will also play a leading role in ensuring a clean and safe environment for future generations.