Chandigarh- Haryana Energy Minister, Sh. Anil Vij while attending a regional workshop organized in Jaipur by the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy on Tuesday said that to promote solar energy and facilitate farmers, he has suggested to his department officers to explore the possibilities of setting up a solar power house in every village in the state. This will enable all tubewells in the area to operate using the supply from these solar power houses, ensuring uninterrupted operation for farmers without any objections, said the Energy Minister.
Notably, Rajasthan Chief Minister, Sh. Bhajan Lal, Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy, Sh. Prahlad Joshi, and Energy Ministers from other states also attended the regional workshop.During the event, Sh. Anil Vij shared that his suggestion of setting up a solar power house in every village in the state was based on farmers' needs, especially in areas with deep water levels where a 10-kilowatt motor cannot function effectively. He further said that the implementation of the PM-KUSUM scheme, through which Haryana has not only achieved its targets but is nearing completion of the goals, thereby ensuring that every farmer in Haryana can run their tubewells using solar energy.
During the workshop, detailed discussions were held on the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, maximizing the use of renewable energy, successful implementation of the PM-KUSUM scheme, and the revival of wind power plants.On this occasion, the Haryana Power DISCOMS were honoured with incentive for their exceptional work in the rooftop solar sector and for exceeding set targets. The Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam received incentive funds of Rs. 9.77 crore for 2019-20, Rs. 10.52 crore for 2020-21, and Rs. 11.89 crore for 2021-22. Similarly, the Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam was awarded Rs. 11.16 crore for 2019-20, Rs. 8.01 crore for 2020-21, Rs. 13.92 crore for 2021-22, Rs. 9.58 crore for 2022-23, and Rs. 14.58 crore for 2023-24.
The Energy Minister, Sh. Anil Vij assured the Union Minister that Haryana would continue its enthusiastic efforts to promote renewable energy in the future as well. Anil Vij further shared that Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi has introduced the Surya Ghar Yojana, which aims to provide affordable electricity by installing solar panels on rooftops. The government provides subsidies for this initiative. He said that the central government is providing Rs. 60, 000, while the Haryana government is giving an additional Rs. 50, 000, totaling Rs. 1, 10, 000 as a subsidy.
The Minister highlighted the importance of empowering people rather than distributing free benefits, ensuring they do not have to depend on others. He said that Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi is working towards making people self-reliant.
Sh. Vij said that Haryana is rapidly implementing the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana to maximize its benefits for every individual. By utilizing solar energy, everyone can contribute significantly to the nation’s development, he said.
The Energy Minister said that India, under Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi’s leadership has initiated significant progress toward solar energy adoption, which can be further advanced effectively.
Director General, New and Renewable Energy Department, S. Narayanan, and other senior officers from the Energy Department and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy also attended the event.