Jammu and Kashmir has achieved a significant milestone in renewable energy adoption, with 39,415 rooftop solar installations completed under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. These installations collectively generate 141.16 megawatts (MW) of power, according to data presented by the Union Government.
Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that the scheme, launched in February 2024, has garnered substantial interest in the Union Territory. As of July 31, 2026, a total of 86,287 applications were received from Jammu and Kashmir. Out of these, 39,568 families have directly benefited from the installations, underscoring the scheme’s reach into residential households.
The Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has allocated Rs 299.30 crore in central financial assistance to the Union Territory to facilitate these installations. This financial support plays a crucial role in making rooftop solar systems more accessible and affordable for residents.
Nationally, the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar scheme has seen an overwhelming response. Across India, 76,81,382 applications have been submitted, leading to 41,19,791 rooftop solar installations with a combined capacity of 14,653.23 MW. This has benefited approximately 49,62,050 families, with a total central financial assistance of Rs 27,855.99 crore disbursed nationwide.
Jammu and Kashmir’s contribution represents about 1.1 per cent of the national applications, installations, and disbursed central assistance, with its share of the total installed capacity standing at nearly 1 per cent. In terms of the number of rooftop solar installations, Jammu and Kashmir secured the 15th position among all states and Union Territories. Gujarat led the national rankings with 7,73,369 installations, followed by Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh.
The scheme aims to provide zero electricity bills to beneficiaries, contingent on their electricity consumption and the performance of their rooftop solar systems. Distribution companies have reported that over 18.93 lakh beneficiaries nationwide have experienced at least one month of zero electricity bills after installing these systems.
The Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar scheme is designed for residential consumers who have a grid-connected electricity connection. Applications are to be submitted through a dedicated national portal for rooftop solar systems. The Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is actively working with states and distribution companies to enhance scheme awareness and streamline its implementation.
Key measures to simplify the process include comprehensive publicity campaigns through various media channels. Technical feasibility requirements have been relaxed, and automatic load enhancement is now available for systems up to 10 kW. Furthermore, the net-metering agreement process has been integrated into the national portal application, eliminating the need for a separate agreement.
The entire process, from initial registration on the national portal to the direct transfer of subsidies into consumers’ bank accounts, is now fully online. Vendor registration has also been simplified, and training programs are being conducted to develop a skilled workforce for installation and maintenance.
A grievance redressal mechanism, including a call centre operating in 12 languages, has been established to ensure timely resolution of complaints. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and REC Limited are serving as the National Programme Implementation Agencies for the scheme. Implementation progress is continuously monitored at various levels in coordination with state governments and distribution companies, with regular regional review meetings to identify and address challenges in areas with lower coverage.
The figures on installations and financial assistance were provided by Union Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy and Power Shripad Yesso Naik in response to a question in the Lok Sabha.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
