DM REVIEWS PM SURYA GHAR YOJANA

DM REVIEWS PM SURYA GHAR YOJANA

31-JULY-ENG 2

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

SASARAM-------------------------A review meeting was held under the chairmanship of District Magistrate Deepak Kumar Mishra to encourage the maximum number of consumers to install rooftop solar plants and to facilitate access to loan facilities under the 'Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana' (Prime Minister's Solar Home Free Electricity Scheme). Attendees included Superintending Engineer (Electricity) Er. Indradev Kumar, Executive Engineer (Electricity, Sasaram) Er. Bravim, Executive Engineer (Electricity, Dehri) Er. Santosh Kumar, bankers, and all Assistant and Junior Electrical Engineers. During the meeting, the District Magistrate reviewed the scheme's progress and directed officials to ensure the benefits reach the maximum number of eligible consumers and to expedite the processing of pending applications. He also called for extensive publicity to take the scheme to the masses and specifically encouraged high-electricity-consuming households to adopt solar energy. This scheme not only reduces electricity bills but also represents a significant step towards energy self-reliance by promoting clean energy. The District Magistrate stated that the objective of the scheme is to lower consumers' electricity bills while encouraging the use of clean and renewable energy. He explained that under the scheme, a government subsidy of ₹30,000 is provided for a 1 kW capacity solar plant, ₹60,000 for a 2 kW plant, and up to ₹78,000 for a plant with a capacity of 3 kW or higher. He noted that under normal conditions, a 1 kW solar plant can generate approximately 4 units of electricity daily (about 120 units monthly); a 2 kW plant, 8 units daily (about 240 units monthly); a 3 kW plant, 12 units daily (about 360 units monthly); a 4 kW plant, 16 units daily (about 480 units monthly); and a 5 kW plant, 20 units daily (about 600 units monthly).

It was also mentioned during the meeting that loans at concessional interest rates are being made available to consumers through banks for the installation of solar plants, with repayment options spanning a period of 4 to 5 years.

During the review, officials were instructed to organize a 'Solar Mela' (solar fair) to accelerate the installation of solar plants and to ensure maximum consumer participation. Accordingly, a solar fair is scheduled for August 1st at the premises of the Electricity Supply Division Office in Dehri. At this event, consumers will receive detailed information regarding solar plant installation, costs, government subsidies, bank loans, net metering, and other technical aspects. Additionally, interested consumers will be able to complete the application process on the spot. The district administration and the Electricity Department have appealed to all consumers to participate in the solar fair in large numbers, avail the benefits of the 'Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana,' and contribute to the goal of clean, affordable, and self-reliant energy.