Shimla district’s Mehli Gram Panchayat has been selected to become a model solar village under the Centre’s ambitious PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. The announcement was made by Shimla’s Deputy Commissioner (DC), Anupam Kashyap, during a district-level review meeting convened to assess the scheme’s progress.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the deadline for eligible villages to complete all necessary formalities under the scheme was February 28, 2026. Mehli Gram Panchayat successfully met this deadline, distinguishing itself and earning a prize of Rs 1 crore.
During the meeting, DC Kashyap provided an overview of the scheme’s implementation in the district. He stated that approximately 657 applications have been received to date. Of these, installation work has been completed for 231 projects, which collectively are expected to generate 803 kilowatts of solar energy. Inspections for these completed projects have also been finalized, and subsidies have been disbursed for 204 of them.
Highlighting the significance of public participation, the Deputy Commissioner emphasized the scheme’s potential to empower households by promoting the adoption of solar energy. He further announced that panchayats will be eligible to receive a one-time incentive of Rs 1,000 for each solar rooftop installation facilitated through their efforts. This incentive aims to encourage local governance bodies to actively promote the scheme among their residents.
Kashyap urged the representatives of panchayats to take proactive measures in creating awareness among the populace. Spreading information about the benefits and application process for the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is crucial for ensuring that residents can avail themselves of the financial incentives offered by the government. Active engagement from panchayat leaders is seen as key to maximizing the scheme’s reach and impact.
Elaborating on the scheme’s provisions, the Deputy Commissioner explained that it was approved by the central government on February 29, 2024. The primary objective is to expand solar energy capacity on rooftops of residential buildings, enabling homeowners to generate their own electricity. The scheme offers a substantial subsidy, with 60 percent provided on the cost of solar units up to 2 kilowatts (kW). For additional capacity ranging from 2 kW to 3 kW, a 40 percent subsidy is available, with a maximum subsidy limit of Rs 85,000 for installations up to 3 kW.
To be eligible for the scheme’s benefits, applicants must be Indian citizens and possess a dwelling with a roof that is suitable for the installation of solar panels. A valid electricity connection is also a mandatory requirement. Furthermore, families who have previously received any other subsidy for solar panels are not eligible to apply under this scheme. These criteria are in place to ensure that the benefits are directed towards new adopters and those who can most effectively utilize solar energy for their power needs.
The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana represents a significant national effort to promote renewable energy, reduce electricity bills for households, and contribute to India’s climate goals. The development of Mehli Gram Panchayat as a model solar village is expected to serve as an exemplar for other communities seeking to embrace solar power solutions.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
