Guwahati: Assam has witnessed an exceptional response to the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, with over 2 lakh households applying for installation under the scheme. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced this milestone on social media, highlighting the initiative's popularity.
The scheme, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aims to empower families to install solar power plants of up to 3 KW on their rooftops. Each installation, costing Rs 1.5 lakhs, receives substantial financial support from the central and state governments, amounting to Rs 1.3 lakhs. This assistance makes the out-of-pocket expense for families minimal, at only Rs 20,000.
In Assam, 170 households have already benefitted from the scheme by installing solar panels, leading to significant reductions in electricity expenses. Families reported being able to use electrical appliances like washing machines and fans during the day without incurring additional costs, thanks to solar energy. Nighttime electricity usage, when solar panels are inactive, remains the only time households need conventional electricity.
Chief Minister Sarma, addressing a press conference in Guwahati, emphasized the scheme's transformative impact on communities in Namrup, Naharkatia, and Dibrugarh district. He highlighted that by generating their own electricity, families could reduce their reliance on costly external power sources. Currently, Assam purchases electricity at higher rates from states like Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, but with increased solar adoption, the state aims to achieve self-sufficiency in power production.
Sarma underscored the scheme's broader benefits, envisioning a future where solar energy not only reduces household expenses but also strengthens Assam's energy independence. He encouraged more families to take advantage of the initiative, asserting that harnessing solar power would ultimately alleviate financial burdens associated with conventional electricity purchases.
The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana represents a significant step towards promoting renewable energy adoption across Assam, aligning with national goals of sustainability and reduced carbon footprint.
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