The central government has secured approval from the President of India to implement solar energy projects amounting to Rs 241.04 billion to provide electricity to 100,000 households belonging to particularly vulnerable tribal groups across 18 states.
The initiative is a crucial component of the Prime Minister’s Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN), marking a significant stride towards achieving sustainable energy access for all. As outlined by the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, the central government will contribute Rs 153.36 billion, while the states will chip in Rs 87.68 billion. The scheme, scheduled to unfold over three years (2023-24 to 2025-26), focuses on delivering off-grid solar power systems to tribal households situated in remote areas where traditional electricity infrastructure is impractical. For the fiscal year 2023-24, Rs 0.20 billion has been allocated, with Rs 2.55 billion and Rs 2.40 billion earmarked for the subsequent years, totaling a commitment of Rs 5.15 billion over the three-year period. The project entails the installation of 0.3 kW solar off-grid systems priced at Rs 50,000 per household. Additionally, it includes the implementation of solar street lighting and lighting in 1,500 multi-purpose centres (MPC) located in areas beyond the reach of the conventional grid. The financial allocation for these components is Rs 5 billion for the solar systems and Rs 0.15 billion for the MPC lighting facilities.