New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has formally announced the launch of PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana with an investment of over Rs 75,000 crore on Tuesday. In a series of posts on X, formerly known as Twitter, the Prime Minister also announced the launch of the website where beneficiaries can apply for solar rooftop connections — pmsuryaghar.gov.in. “In order to further sustainable development and people’s wellbeing, we are launching the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. This project, with an investment of over Rs. 75,000 crores, aims to light up 1 crore households by providing up to 300 units of free electricity every month.”
The announcement comes shortly after Modi announced the Pradhanmantri Suryoday Yojana on January 22.
“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,” said the PM on X.
“In order to popularise this scheme at the grassroots, Urban Local Bodies and Panchayats shall be incentivised to promote rooftop solar systems in their jurisdictions. At the same time, the scheme will lead to more income, lesser power bills and employment generation for people,” he added.
As reported earlier, the government has appointed REC Limited as the nodal agency for the implementation of PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. While it will not fund the household rooftop solar installations directly, it will extend funds to the Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) that have been allocated states across India for the installation of these systems. The list of these eight PSUs includes NTPC, NHPC, Power Grid, SECI, SJVN, THDC, NEEPCO and EESL.
As soon as the rooftop solar system is installed, the consumers will be able to avail 300 units of free electricity. For a period of 10 years, PSUs, who have installed these rooftop solar power systems, will sell the excess electricity produced by the system to offset their loan. Thus, the cost burden on consumers will be zero. After 10 years, consumers will be able to sell the excess electricity produced by the system.
“Let’s boost solar power and sustainable progress. I urge all residential consumers, especially youngsters, to strengthen the PM - Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana by applying at- pmsuryaghar.gov.in,” said the PM.