RENEWABLE ENERGY IS AN IMPORTANT FOUNDATION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION:DM

RENEWABLE ENERGY IS AN IMPORTANT FOUNDATION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION:DM

15-FEB-ENG 9

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA--------------------------Today, a comprehensive awareness and coordination program was organized at the Government Engineering College, Bhojpur, on the subject of free 1.1 kilowatt rooftop solar panel installation for Kutir Jyoti tariff consumers whose monthly electricity consumption is less than 250 units, under the PM Suryaghar Yojana.

The chief guest of the program was District Magistrate, Bhojpur, Tanay Sultania. Special guests included the Deputy Collector, Bhojpur, Padmashree Bhim Singh Bhavesh, Principal, Government Engineering College, Bhojpur, and the Circle Incharge of Punjab National Bank.

The program saw significant participation from all key stakeholders involved in the solar installation scheme. Representatives from various banks—State Bank of India, Central Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank, IDBI Bank, and Bank of India—were present, along with Panchayat-level public representatives (headmen and ward members), beneficiaries who received zero electricity bills after net metering following solar installation, solar vendors, and representatives associated with the Smart Prepaid Meter Scheme.

For the convenience of the public, bank stalls were set up at the event venue to provide information on subsidy and loan procedures. Solar vendors also showcased solar equipment and presented live demos of the benefits of smart prepaid meters, providing consumers with a clear understanding of energy savings, transparency, and technological advantages.

The highlight of the event was a street play performed by the Rang-Mati team from Patna, led by Sadhna. This creative and musical presentation effectively communicated the need for smart meters, the benefits of the PM Suryaghar Scheme, and the new free solar installation scheme for Kutir Jyoti consumers.

The program was inaugurated by the District Magistrate, Bhojpur, along with other guests, by lighting a lamp. Four solar vendors were honored with shawls and mementos on this occasion. Eighteen beneficiaries from various districts, whose electricity bills have dropped to zero after solar installation, were presented with certificates and electrical equipment. Additionally, 35 public representatives who played an active role in promoting solar installation were presented with shawls and saplings, spreading the message of environmental protection.

At the program, Sushmalata, Mukhiya-Dawan (Block: Jagdishpur), shared her experience, stating that the Panchayat office's monthly electricity bill previously averaged approximately ₹29,000. However, after installing a 3-kilowatt solar panel, it has dropped to ₹19,000 per month, resulting in a direct savings of approximately ₹1.2 lakh per year for the government.

Ravi Shankar Singh, a consumer from Chandwa-Ara, said that the increase in electricity rates was putting a significant strain on his budget. After receiving information about the technical aspects of solar panels from the electricity office, he applied. The government subsidy and installation process was completely glitch-free, and he only had to visit the bank once. The entire application and subsidy process was completed through the PM Suryaghar portal.

On this occasion, District Magistrate, Bhojpur, Tanay Sultania, emphasized the need for renewable energy, calling it an important pillar of environmental protection. He said that consumers who have installed smart meters are benefiting from energy savings and lower bills by regularly monitoring them through a mobile app. He appealed to engineering students, public representatives, media personnel, and consumers to widely publicize the benefits of solar installation and smart meters (which function like net meters in solar panels). He also explained the process for free solar installation for Kutir Jyoti consumers, which requires consent on the Suvidha app. He also called for increasing awareness among Kutir Jyoti premises and domestic consumers (DS1 and DS2) by engaging with Jeevika Didi's, banks, and Block Development Officers.

Padmashree Shri Bhim Singh Bhavesh, in his address, highlighted the economic benefits of free solar installation and said that this scheme will become a powerful medium for improving the living standards of marginalized communities and socio-economic upliftment.

The welcome address of the program was given by Nandan Singh, Senior Manager (Revenue), while the vote of thanks was presented by Sushil Kumar, Electrical Superintending Engineer.