Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on a historic day after presiding over the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, announced a groundbreaking initiative aimed at harnessing solar energy. The initiative, named ‘Pradhanmantri Suryodaya Yojana,’ seeks to propel India towards self-reliance in the energy sector while benefitting the common citizens.
The Prime Minister stated that the initiative would not only lower the electricity costs for the poor and middle class but also contribute to India achieving self-reliance in the energy sector.
Prime Minister Modi drew inspiration from the divine energy associated with Lord Shri Ram during his visit to Ayodhya. In a social media post on platform X, he expressed, “All the devotees of the world always get energy from the light of Suryavanshi Lord Shri Ram. Today, on the auspicious occasion of consecration in Ayodhya, my resolution got further strengthened that the people of India should have their own solar rooftop system on the roof of their houses.“
The significant announcement came as the Prime Minister shared his vision for the ‘Pradhanmantri Suryodaya Yojana.’ He declared, “The first decision I have taken after returning from Ayodhya is that our government will launch ‘Pradhanmantri Suryodaya Yojana’ with the target of installing rooftop solar on 1 crore houses. Modi presided over a meeting with high-ranking officials from the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
The initiative is poised to empower households across India by enabling them to generate their electricity through rooftop solar systems. By installing solar panels on one crore houses, the government aims to alleviate the financial burden on the poor and middle class while fostering sustainability and self-sufficiency in the energy domain.
Rooftop solar involves the installation of solar photovoltaic panels on the roofs of buildings or homes, either with or without a battery storage system. These systems are connected to the main power supply, allowing establishments to reduce their reliance on grid-connected electricity provided by the respective power distribution company (discom), resulting in cost savings for consumers.
In a solar rooftop system, the initial investment is limited to upfront capital, and maintenance costs are minimal. The total cost depends on factors such as the size and capacity of the solar photovoltaic panel and the inclusion of a battery.
The government has implemented the National Rooftop Scheme, providing financial assistance amounting to 40% of the capital cost for solar rooftop projects. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) selects projects based on submissions from discoms, with private contractors/vendors chosen by discoms to execute the projects. Instances of fraud have been reported, where some rooftop solar companies falsely claimed authorization from the ministry. The government has issued notices clarifying that no vendors have been authorized.
The ‘Pradhanmantri Suryodaya Yojana’ marks a crucial step towards a greener and self-reliant India. The initiative, inspired by the sacred energy of Ayodhya, reflects the government’s commitment to harnessing renewable resources for the betterment of its citizens and the nation as a whole.
1. What is the primary goal of ‘Pradhanmantri Suryodaya Yojana’ announced by PM Modi?
2. How many houses does the government aim to equip with rooftop solar under the ‘Pradhanmantri Suryodaya Yojana’?
Kindly share your responses in the comment section!!
On Saturday, December 21, 2024, several explosive-laden drones, believed to be part of Ukraine's ongoing…
Uttar Pradesh, one of India's most populous states, is known for its rich cultural and…
The 55th GST Council meeting, chaired by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, convened ministers from 28…
India participated in the 24th BIMSTEC Senior Officials Meeting (SOM), hosted virtually by Thailand on…
India is set to host the 2025 Para Athletics World Championships, marking a historic moment…
Maharashtra is a state in western India known for its rich culture, history and natural…