IT News
Imphal, March 11:
Dr. Shailesh Kumar Chourasia, Commissioner (Power), Government of Manipur officially launched an awareness campaign for the “PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojna Scheme” today.
The launch event was held at the premises of Manipur State Power Distribution Company Limited (MSPDCL), located at New Directorate Building near 2nd MR Gate along Imphal-Dimapur Road, Imphal.
Speaking at the programme, Dr. Shailesh Kumar Chourasia, described PM Surya Ghar as a highly ambitious initiative of the Government of India. He stated that the scheme is well-suited for Manipur, offering multiple benefits, from reducing electricity bills for the people, supporting government efforts in energy sustainability, to being environmentally friendly.
He emphasised that under the scheme, there is no limitation on the number of rooftop solar installations eligible under the government subsidy. He stated that while the campaign aims to raise awareness, the number of applications received so far falls short of the expectations of both the Government of India and Manipur.
He asserted that efforts are being made to harness maximum solar energy for households and added that the initiative would not only benefit consumers by significantly reducing their electricity bills but also aid the company and state in generating renewable energy. He further urged the public to apply through the national web portal ‘pmsuryaghar.gov.in’ at the earliest to avail the scheme’s benefits.
Dr. Shailesh Kumar Chourasia also flagged off two vehicles equipped with loudspeakers and posters to raise awareness about the PM Surya Ghar as part of the event. The vehicles will cover various locationsto disseminate information about the scheme and encourage public participation.
Hijam Shantikumar Singh, Managing Director, MSPDCL; Dr. Th. Charanjeet Singh, Executive Director (HR/Admin/IT/Legal), MSPDCL; Mangsatabam Rabi Singh, Executive Director (Technical); Th. Kirankumar Singh, General Manager (Commercial), officers and staff of MSPDCL were present at the programme.
The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana scheme, launched by Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi on February 29, 2024, aims to boost solar rooftop installations across the country. The scheme initiated under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE),Government of India, empowers residential households to generate their own electricity. One of the scheme’s highlights is the central government-provided subsidy to enhance the affordability of solar energy.
Following the nationwide launch of the scheme, MSPDCL has rolled out rooftop solar installations across Manipur, benefitting over200 residential consumers so far.
As per MNRE benchmarks, the tentative cost for 1kW rooftop solar system under the PM Surya Ghar scheme is Rs.55,000, with a central government subsidy of Rs. 33,000, while the tentative cost for 2 kW is Rs. 1,10,000, with a subsidy of Rs. 66,000 and that of 3 kW is Rs. 1,59,500 with a subsidy of Rs. 85,800.
All residential consumers of MSPDCL are eligible to avail low-interest loans from any nationalised bank for installing rooftop solar systems under the PM Surya Ghar : Muft Bijli Yojana scheme.
