New Delhi, February 5th: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana’, unveiled on January 22nd, marks a revolutionary stride towards alleviating the electricity burden for poor and middle-class citizens while simultaneously capitalizing on solar energy through rooftop panels.
This pioneering initiative aims to equip approximately 1 crore households with solar panels, potentially saving them up to Rs 18,000 crore annually. Beneficiaries will receive 300 units of complimentary solar electricity, with the added option to vend surplus power to commercial entities.
PM Modi underscored the program’s key points during his recent address in Guwahati, emphasizing the government’s commitment to reducing household electricity bills to zero.
“In the past decade, we endeavored to electrify every home. With this scheme, the government aims to assist around 1 crore families in installing solar rooftops,” stated PM Modi during the Guwahati gathering.
The scheme’s announcement on January 22nd, following the inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, underscores its significance. PM Modi envisions the initiative not only as a means to alleviate the middle-class burden but also as a step towards energy self-sufficiency.
Subsequently, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, in her Budget speech, unveiled plans for rooftop solar panels for approximately 1 crore households. She outlined that participants would receive 300 units of free electricity and could sell excess power to distribution companies. Additionally, the scheme is expected to bolster the adoption of electric vehicles, with the provision for home charging stations.
The Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana is slated to be accompanied by extensive awareness campaigns and promotions. These efforts aim to encourage participation in the rooftop solar panel initiative, promising financial benefits for volunteers.
While experts acknowledge the implementation challenges, they unanimously view the utilization of solar energy for public consumption as a pivotal step towards achieving energy self-reliance.
