PM Unveils "PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana" - Free Electricity for 1 Crore Households

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently launched the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, aiming to provide free electricity to 1 crore Indian households. This ambitious initiative, estimated to cost over ₹75,000 crore, has sparked widespread interest and debate. Let's delve into the details:

The Scheme's Core:

• Eligibility: One crore low-income households will be eligible, potentially based on existing schemes like Ujjwala Yojana or SECC data.
• Benefit: Each household will receive up to 300 units of free electricity per month, catering to basic needs like lighting and essential appliances.
• Funding: The central government will bear the cost through subsidies and concessional bank loans.
• Solar Power Push: The scheme incentivizes installing rooftop solar panels. Beneficiaries can utilize free electricity generated and sell any surplus back to the grid.

Potential Impact:

• Financial Relief: The scheme could ease the financial burden of electricity bills for low-income families, potentially improving their quality of life.
• Renewable Energy Drive: By promoting solar power generation, the scheme aims to reduce reliance on traditional energy sources and contribute to cleaner energy goals.
• Job Creation: Installation and maintenance of solar panels could create new employment opportunities in the renewable energy sector.

Challenges and Concerns:

• Sustainability: Critics question the long-term financial viability of the scheme, with concerns about its impact on public finances and future sustainability.
• Targeting: Ensuring accurate targeting of eligible beneficiaries and preventing misuse of the scheme remains a challenge.
• Grid Management: Integrating rooftop solar power into the existing grid might require infrastructure upgrades and efficient management systems.

Overall Significance:

The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana represents a significant step towards providing affordable and clean energy to underprivileged households. While concerns remain regarding its long-term viability and implementation, the scheme's potential for positive impact on millions of lives and India's clean energy transition cannot be ignored.