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PM Surya Ghar Yojana: Free Solar Electricity Revolution

Why in the news?

Launched on February 15, 2024, the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana aims to provide free electricity through rooftop solar panels, targeting over one crore families, with significant subsidies and incentives to promote renewable energy adoption.

Key Highlights of PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana:

• Launch Date and Objectives:
• Launched on February 15, 2024, to expand energy access and promote solar power adoption.
• Aims to provide households with free electricity through rooftop solar panel installations.
• Offers subsidies of up to 40%, enabling families to save approximately ₹18,000 annually on electricity bills.
• Targets over one crore households, supporting renewable energy use across India.
• Budget and Implementation:
• Allocated a budget of ₹75,021 crore until FY 2026-27.
• DISCOMs act as State Implementation Agencies (SIAs), responsible for facilitating solar installations.
• Incentives worth ₹4,950 crore are earmarked for DISCOMs to promote solar capacity expansion.
• Scheme is designed to reduce carbon emissions and advance India’s sustainability goals.

Eligibility and Benefits

• Eligibility Criteria:
  • Open to Indian households with valid electricity connections and suitable rooftop space.
  • Supports accessible clean energy solutions for urban and rural households alike.
• Impact and Benefits:
  • Promotes the adoption of renewable energy while reducing household electricity expenses.
  • Helps the government save an estimated ₹75,000 crore annually in electricity costs.
  • Contributes significantly to India’s clean energy and climate change mitigation efforts.

Sources Referred:

PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times