Govt Issues Operational Guidelines for Implementation of Model Solar Village under PM-Surya Ghar-Muft Bijli Yojana

ByDhruv Sharma

The government of India has taken a significant step forward in its quest for sustainable and clean energy by issuing operational guidelines for implementing the Model Solar Village under the PM-Surya Ghar-Muft Bijli Yojana. This ambitious initiative aims to create one Model Solar Village in every district, thereby revolutionizing energy access and promoting renewable energy use at the grassroots level. Let’s delve into the details of this innovative scheme and explore its potential impact on rural India.

WhatsApp Group Join Now

Overview of the Scheme

The PM-Surya Ghar-Muft Bijli Yojana is part of India’s broader efforts to increase renewable energy production and reduce dependency on fossil fuels. The scheme focuses on empowering villages to harness solar energy, promoting self-sufficiency in electricity generation, and encouraging the adoption of solar rooftops.

Financial Outlay and Allocation

A total financial outlay of ₹800 crore has been earmarked for this initiative, with each selected Model Solar Village receiving ₹1 crore. This funding will support the installation of distributed renewable energy systems and other necessary infrastructure to transform these villages into sustainable energy hubs.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the scheme, a village must meet the following criteria:

Read Previous Post: Haryana CM Launches Three Youth-Centric Schemes on International Youth Day

  • Revenue Village Status: The village must be recognized as a revenue village, which refers to villages officially recorded for administrative and taxation purposes.
  • Population Size: The village should have a population above 5,000. However, for special category states, the population requirement is relaxed to 2,000. Special category states include regions with distinct administrative or geographic characteristics, such as those in the Northeast or hill states.

Implementation Process

Selection of Model Solar Villages

The selection of Model Solar Villages is a competitive process. Villages will be assessed based on their capacity to install and utilize renewable energy systems. A District Level Committee will evaluate the potential candidates, and the village demonstrating the highest renewable energy capacity within six months will be awarded the status of Model Solar Village.

Central Financial Assistance Grant

The winning village in each district will receive a central financial assistance grant of ₹1 crore. This grant is designed to cover the costs of installing solar panels, setting up mini-grids, and other necessary infrastructure to maximize solar energy usage.

Objectives and Benefits

Increasing Solar Rooftop Capacity

The primary goal of the scheme is to increase the share of solar rooftop capacity in India’s energy mix. By encouraging villages to adopt solar energy, the government aims to create a ripple effect that will lead to widespread adoption of renewable energy technologies.

Empowering Residential Households

The scheme empowers residential households to generate their own electricity, reducing their dependence on traditional power grids. This not only ensures a reliable power supply but also reduces electricity bills and minimizes environmental impact.

Promoting Sustainable Development

By harnessing solar energy, villages can achieve sustainable development and improve their socio-economic conditions. Access to clean energy will facilitate economic activities, improve educational facilities, and enhance healthcare services in rural areas.

FAQs

1. What is the PM-Surya Ghar-Muft Bijli Yojana?

The PM-Surya Ghar-Muft Bijli Yojana is a government initiative aimed at promoting solar energy use in rural areas by creating Model Solar Villages across India.

2. How is a Model Solar Village selected?

Villages are selected based on their renewable energy capacity. A District Level Committee evaluates potential candidates, and the village with the highest capacity is awarded the status of Model Solar Village.

3. What is the financial assistance provided under the scheme?

Each selected Model Solar Village receives a central financial assistance grant of ₹1 crore to support the installation of solar energy systems and infrastructure.

4. What are the eligibility criteria for a village to be considered for the scheme?

To qualify, a village must be a revenue village with a population above 5,000 (2,000 for special category states).

5. How does the scheme benefit rural households?

The scheme empowers rural households to generate their own electricity, reducing dependency on traditional grids, lowering electricity bills, and promoting sustainable development.

Conclusion

The PM-Surya Ghar-Muft Bijli Yojana represents a transformative approach to energy access in India, particularly in rural areas. By creating Model Solar Villages, the government aims to demonstrate the viability and benefits of solar energy at the community level. This initiative is expected to not only increase the adoption of renewable energy but also improve the quality of life in rural areas by providing reliable and sustainable power. As India continues to pursue its renewable energy targets, the success of such schemes will play a crucial role in shaping the country’s energy landscape and achieving its sustainability goals.