The Chhattisgarh government, under Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, is pushing for wider adoption of solar energy through the Pradhan Mantri Suryaghar Muft Bijli Yojana. The initiative aims to boost the use of solar power, making consumers self-sufficient and lowering their electricity bills by installing rooftop solar plants. Subsidies are available from ₹45,000 to ₹1,08,000 for plants ranging from one to three kilowatts.
Chief Engineer of Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company Limited, Raipur, announced that all regular officers and employees of the company are encouraged to install rooftop solar power plants in their homes. This effort supports the use of renewable energy, with the government providing financial aid in the form of subsidies. Officials and employees living in various types of residences, including rented accommodations and multi-story buildings, can also participate, either by installing plants on their own properties in their hometowns or through virtual net metering in coordination with their residential societies. The subsidy structure remains the same for these installations.
The Chief Engineer also mentioned that officers and employees can avail themselves of bank loans with a 6% interest rate for a period of 10 years to set up rooftop solar power plants. The EMI for the loan is estimated to be lower than their normal monthly electricity bills. Officers and employees are urged to install solar plants within three months, or they might face the possibility of having their special electricity bill concessions revoked. For further information, the public is encouraged to visit the PM Suryaghar Muft Bijli Yojana online portal.