Hindu Editorial Analysis : 10-December-2024
The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSGMBY) is a promising initiative launched by the Indian government to promote solar energy adoption in households. The scheme’s main goal is to install rooftop solar panels in residential homes and provide free electricity to the beneficiaries. With a total budget of ₹75,021 crore, it aims to install 10 million small rooftop solar plants by 2027. Though the scheme has made impressive progress so far, some areas need improvement to realize its full potential.
Objectives and Implementation of PMSGMBY
The primary objectives of PMSGMBY are:
- Free Electricity for Households: The scheme targets providing free electricity through rooftop solar installations.
- Financial Support: Households are given financial support ranging from ₹30,000 to ₹48,000, depending on the size of the solar unit.
- Nationwide Implementation: It is being implemented under the supervision of the National Programme Implementation Agency (NPIA) at the national level, while individual State Implementation Agencies (SIAs) manage execution at the state level.
The scheme has a subsidy structure to ease the installation costs:
- 60% subsidy for systems up to 2 kW capacity
- 40% subsidy for systems between 2 to 3 kW capacity
- Maximum subsidy: ₹78,000 for systems up to 3 kW
Progress and Success
Since its launch, the scheme has seen rapid adoption:
- Over 6.3 lakh installations in the first nine months, representing a ten-fold increase in monthly installations.
- States like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Kerala, and Uttar Pradesh have made the most progress due to strong infrastructure and effective collaboration.
- Around 9,000 vendors are registered, and 40,000 technicians have been trained to ensure quality installations.
Challenges and Areas for Improvement
Despite the initial success, several challenges remain:
- Infrastructure and Regulatory Barriers:
- Some DISCOMs (Distribution Companies) faced issues with enhancing power load capacities. However, technical feasibility reports (TFR) have been waived for systems up to 10 kW to streamline processes.
- Financial and Payment Security:
- The scheme has set up a ₹100 crore payment security corpus, but ensuring timely payments and maintaining financial security is still a challenge.
- Quality and Safety Concerns:
- There are concerns about the quality of installations, as 10,000 service providers operate without sufficient oversight, risking substandard work. Stringent quality and safety protocols need to be enforced.
- Regional Imbalance:
- The distribution of installations is heavily skewed. Over 65% of installations are concentrated in Gujarat and Maharashtra, leaving other regions underutilized.
- Bureaucratic and Logistical Challenges:
- The application process can be cumbersome, with long approval times, delays in installation, and bureaucratic hurdles discouraging potential adopters.
- Lack of Skilled Workforce:
- There is a shortage of trained technicians, which could slow down the implementation. Currently, around 2 lakh additional technicians need training.
Need for Consumer Awareness
Despite its achievements, one of the main barriers to further growth is the lack of consumer awareness. Many potential beneficiaries are unaware of the scheme’s benefits and the simplified application process. Raising awareness and encouraging broader participation will be essential for the scheme’s success in the coming years.
Important Points:
Key Objectives and Implementation of PMSGMBY:
- Goal: Promote solar energy adoption by providing free electricity through rooftop solar panels.
- Budget: ₹75,021 crore allocated for the scheme until 2027.
- Target: Installation of 10 million small rooftop solar plants by March 2027.
- Financial Support: ₹30,000 to ₹48,000 for systems up to 3 kW.
- Implementation: Managed by National Programme Implementation Agency (NPIA) at the national level and State Implementation Agencies (SIAs) at the state level.
Key Features of the Scheme:
- Subsidy Structure:
- 60% subsidy for systems up to 2 kW capacity.
- 40% subsidy for systems between 2 to 3 kW capacity.
- Maximum subsidy of ₹78,000 for systems up to 3 kW.
- Eligibility:
- Open to Indian citizens with suitable roofs and valid electricity connections.
- Applicants must not have already received any other solar panel subsidy.
- Application Process:
- Register on the National Portal, select state and electricity distribution company.
- The portal provides information on system sizes, benefits calculators, and vendor ratings.
- Vendor Registration: Vendors must register with respective DISCOMs, ensuring quality and reliability.
Progress and Achievements:
- 6.3 Lakh Installations completed in the first 9 months, with a ten-fold increase in monthly installations.
- States with strong progress: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh.
- Vendor and Workforce Development:
- 9,000 vendors activated.
- 40,000 technicians trained, with an additional 2 lakh to be trained in the next 8 months.
Challenges to Address:
- Infrastructure and Regulatory Barriers: Need to enhance power load capacities, though some issues have been resolved by waiving Technical Feasibility Reports (TFR) for systems under 10 kW.
- Financial and Payment Security: The ₹100 crore corpus is crucial for ensuring timely payments, but maintaining this fund is challenging.
- Quality and Safety Concerns: 10,000 service providers operating without adequate oversight, risking substandard installations.
- Regional Imbalance: Over 65% of installations are concentrated in Gujarat and Maharashtra, leaving other states behind.
- Bureaucratic and Logistical Challenges: Long approval times, delays in installations, and complex processes deter potential users.
- Lack of Skilled Workforce: Shortage of trained professionals could slow down scheme rollout.
Need for Consumer Awareness:
- Many potential beneficiaries are unaware of the scheme’s benefits and the simplified application process.
- Raising awareness and encouraging broader participation is key to the scheme’s success.
Why In News
The recently launched PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSGMBY), which aims to accelerate the adoption of rooftop solar installations across India, has shown promising initial results but requires further refinement and targeted interventions to overcome existing challenges and fully realize its transformative potential.
MCQs about The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana
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Which of the following states has shown exceptional progress in the implementation of **PMSGMBY**?
A. Bihar
B. Gujarat
C. Punjab
D. Rajasthan
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What is the main objective of the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSGMBY)?
A. To provide free electricity to businesses
B. To promote the adoption of rooftop solar panels in households
C. To reduce electricity consumption in urban areas
D. To create jobs in the solar energy sector
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Which of the following is a challenge faced by the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana?
A. High electricity bills
B. Over-concentration of installations in specific states
C. Shortage of solar panel vendors
D. Lack of government funding
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