By SATISH SETH
KAITHAL: Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme is proving to be a boon for energy conservation and freeing the common people from the heavy burden of electricity bills. Tremendous enthusiasm is being seen regarding this scheme in Kaithal district of Haryana. The coordination between the Central and State Governments has made this scheme so affordable that getting solar panels installed for eligible families has now become almost zero cost i.e. free.
Giving this information the Deputy commissioner Aparajita here today said that So far, 2821 consumers in the district have taken advantage of this scheme and installed solar systems on the roofs of their houses. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Central Government has sent a subsidy of about Rs 18 crore directly to the accounts of these beneficiaries on the basis of different kilowatts. At the same time, the state government is also moving forward step by step under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Nayab Singh Saini; An additional grant of approximately Rs 5.06 crore has been given to 1035 consumers and this amount will soon be released to the remaining eligible beneficiaries. The target is to install solar at the homes of 5313 consumers in the district by March 31, 2026. The general public should avail the benefits of this scheme on first come first serve basis.
If a consumer is not able to make the initial investment, the government has made the path easier for them. Loans are being provided through government banks at lowest interest rates without any guarantee or property. A two kilowatt solar panel produces 8 to 10 units of electricity per day, which adds up to 300 units per month. This is enough for the monthly consumption of a middle class family, leaving the electricity bill negligible.
Mathematics of subsidy and who benefits how much
SE of Electricity Department, Sombir Bhalothia, said that the government has divided the subsidy into categories according to income group, so that the economically weaker sections can get maximum benefits. Antyodaya families whose annual income is less than Rs 1.80 lakh and whose annual electricity consumption is up to 2400 units, can get a grant of Rs 60 thousand from the Government of India and Rs 50 thousand from the Haryana Government, i.e. a total grant of Rs 1.10 lakh, for installing solar panels up to two kilowatts. Those families whose annual income is up to Rs 3 lakh and whose annual electricity consumption is up to 2400 units, can get a grant of Rs 60 thousand from the Government of India and Rs 20 thousand from the Haryana Government, i.e. a total grant of Rs 80 thousand, for installing solar panels up to two kilowatts. Apart from this, for those domestic consumers whose annual income is more than three lakhs, subsidy of one kilowatt is Rs 30 thousand, two kilowatt is Rs 60 thousand and three kilowatt is Rs 78 thousand.
How to apply
Interested consumers can register from home by visiting the official portal https://pmsuryaghar.gov.in. If anyone faces difficulty in applying online, they can get assistance by contacting their nearest North Haryana Electricity Distribution Corporation Sub Divisional Officer office.