In a bid to promote solar power, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced that the government is launching the PM – Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana entailing an investment of over Rs 75,000 crore.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the Prime Minister said that the scheme aims to light up 10 million households by providing up to 300 units of free electricity every month.
“In order to further sustainable development and people’s well-being, we are launching the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. This project, with an investment of over Rs 75,000 crore, aims to light up 10 million households by providing up to 300 units of free electricity every month,” Modi said in a tweet.
In another tweet, he said that under the scheme the beneficiaries would get subsidies in the form of direct benefit transfer in their bank accounts along with concessional bank loans.
“From substantive subsidies, which will be given directly to people’s bank accounts, to heavily concessional bank loans, the central government will ensure that there is no cost burden on the people. All stakeholders will be integrated to a National Online Portal which will further convenience,” he said.
The Prime Minister said that in order to popularise the scheme at the grassroots, urban local bodies and panchayats will be incentivised to promote rooftop solar systems in their jurisdictions.
He said that the scheme will lead to more income, lesser power bills and employment generation for people.
“Let’s boost solar power and sustainable progress. I urge all residential consumers, especially youngsters, to strengthen the PM – Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana,” he added.
Presenting the interim Budget for FY25 on February 1, Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman had said that the 10 million beneficiaries of the new scheme would be able to get 300 units of free power through the rooftop solar installations, resulting in an annual saving of `15,000-18,000 per year.
Speaking to reporters on February 2, union minister for new and renewable energy RK Singh had said that the subsidy for rooftop solar installations would be raised to about 60% under the new scheme from 40% currently.