PM announces free power scheme for up to 10 million households

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced a scheme that aims to light up 10 million households with 300 units of free power every month.

The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, which comes just ahead of the general election, will entail an investment of ₹75,000 crore, Modi said in a post on X.

“In order to further sustainable development and people’s well-being, we are launching the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. This project, with an investment of over ₹ 75,000 crore, aims to light up 1 crore households by providing up to 300 units of free electricity every month,” Modi’s post on X said.

The prime minister urged residential consumers, especially youngsters, to strengthen this new scheme by applying on the national portal.

“From substantive subsidies, which will be given directly to people’s bank accounts, to heavily concessional bank loans, the central government will ensure there is no cost burden on people. All stakeholders will be integrated to a National Online Portal which will further convenience,” Modi added.

Urban local bodies and panchayats will be given incentives to promote rooftop solar systems in their jurisdictions, Modi said, adding that the scheme will lead to more income, lesser power bills and employment generation for people.

Consumers can seek subsidies for installing rooftop solar panels under the scheme.

Modi had last month chaired a meeting to launch the Pradhanmantri Suryodaya Yojana, or the PM Sunrise Scheme, to install solar panels on the rooftops of over 10 million households.

The Pradhanmantri Suryodaya Yojana also intends to supply power to beneficiaries through solar rooftop installations and offer extra money for excess electricity output.

Modi’s announcement is in line with India’s commitment to increase its renewable energy capacity to 500 gigawatt by 2030.