CENTRE TWEAKS PM SOLAR ‘FREE ELECTRICITY’ SCHEME

Why in the news?

Government adjusts PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, subsidising 60% of rooftop solar installation costs; households bear the remainder.

source:newsonair

About Scheme Modification:

  • The government has altered the ₹75,000 crore PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, originally intended to fully subsidise 1 kW-3 kW rooftop solar systems for one crore households.
  • Under the revised plan, the scheme will cover up to 60% of installation costs, requiring households to bear the remaining expenses, with a

minimum payment of ₹220,000, possibly mitigated by a low-interest, collateral-free loan.

About PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana:

●   Objective: Central government invests ₹75,000 crores to offer 300 units of free monthly electricity to beneficiaries.

●   Target: Illuminate 1 crore households across the nation.

●   Incentives: Urban Local Bodies and Panchayats encouraged to promote rooftop solar systems.

●   Financial Support: Direct subsidies deposited into bank accounts, along with concessional bank loans, to ensure minimal financial burden.

●   Facilitates charging of electric vehicles.

About Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI):

●   Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) implements renewable energy schemes.

●   Established in 2011.

●   Awarded over 56 GW of renewable energy project capacities.