Solar sunrise: Rs 24,104 crore lights up future for 1 lakh PVTG families

The Central government has secured approval from the President of India to launch solar energy projects valued at Rs 24,104 crore across 18 states. In accordance with the latest directive from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, these initiatives aim to provide electricity to one lakh households in Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG).

Part of the Prime Minister's Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN), this initiative marks a significant stride towards achieving sustainable energy access for all. The central government will contribute Rs 15,336 crore to the investment, while the states will pitch in Rs 8,768 crore.

The scheme is slated for a three-year rollout, spanning from 2023-24 to 2025-26, with the objective of supplying off-grid solar power systems to tribal households in remote areas where traditional electricity infrastructure is impractical. The allocated funds for the fiscal year 2023-24 amount to Rs 20 crore, followed by Rs 255 crore and Rs 240 crore earmarked for the subsequent years, totaling a commitment of Rs 515 crore over the three years.

As outlined in the directive, the project encompasses 0.3 kW solar off-grid systems, alongside the implementation of solar street lighting and lighting in 1,500 multi-purpose centres (MPCs) situated in areas beyond the reach of the conventional grid. The financial allocation for these components is Rs 500 crore for the solar systems and Rs 15 crore for the MPC lighting facilities.

This initiative is anticipated to pave the way for a transformative shift in energy consumption while aligning with India's global commitments to increase the proportion of non-fossil fuels in its energy portfolio under the Paris Agreement on climate change.

New by Rahul Yelligetti