Empowering India: ₹657 Crore Guidelines For Awareness Campaigns Under The PM Surya Ghar Scheme

On February 29, 2024, the Government of India approved the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, aimed at significantly increasing solar rooftop capacity in residential households across the country. This ambitious program, with a total financial outlay of ₹75,021 crore, is set to be implemented until the financial year 2026-27. A crucial component of this scheme is the “Awareness and Outreach” initiative, which has been allocated a budget of ₹657 crore. The objective is to create widespread awareness among electricity consumers, particularly in the residential sector, and motivate them to install solar rooftop systems (RTS).

The primary goal of PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana is to empower residential households by enabling them to generate their electricity through solar rooftop installations. This reduces dependence on conventional electricity sources and promotes renewable energy use, contributing to environmental sustainability. To achieve this, the scheme includes detailed guidelines covering the planning, development, and execution of various awareness and outreach activities. These guidelines ensure that the technical aspects of installing and maintaining solar rooftop systems are communicated in a user-friendly manner, allowing consumers to make informed decisions.

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) will evaluate and approve the awareness and outreach plans submitted by various agencies, including DISCOMs, State Nodal Agencies, and other interested ministries. The National Programme Implementing Agency (NPIA) will oversee the implementation of the awareness and outreach activities at the national level, while State Implementation Agencies (SIAs) will manage execution at the state level.

A significant aspect of the scheme is promoting collaborative efforts with other ministries and departments to disseminate information about solar rooftop systems. This will be achieved through partnerships with Self Help Groups, cooperatives, and other community formations. Additionally, partner ministries can conduct their awareness activities through a Departmental Awareness and Outreach Plan (DAOP), approved by the MNRE.

To ensure the efficient execution of the awareness and outreach activities, the NPIA will create a comprehensive calendar of events and campaigns to monitor progress and effectiveness. Assigned organizations will be required to adhere to budgetary limits and use only approved branding and outreach materials. Any co-branding or variations in branding will require prior approval from the MNRE to maintain consistency.

The financial outlay for the awareness and outreach component, totaling ₹657 crore, will be managed following General Financial Rules (GFRs). Publicity activities will follow the guidelines set by the Central Bureau of Communication (CBC) and the National Film Development Corporation Limited (NFDC). Implementing agencies can request advances for their activities, with up to 40% of the budget released in advance. The remaining 60% will be disbursed after the completion of activities, subject to submitting detailed activity reports and audited expenditure statements.

Monitoring the implementation of the awareness and outreach plans will be a critical responsibility of the NPIA, involving regular coordination with other government departments and SIAs. The NPIA will also work closely with the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting to track campaign progress and make necessary adjustments. The MNRE will have the authority to amend the guidelines to address implementation difficulties, with the approval of the Hon’ble Minister of New and Renewable Energy.

PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana represents a significant step forward in India’s efforts to promote renewable energy and reduce dependence on conventional electricity sources. By empowering residential households to generate their electricity through solar rooftop installations, the scheme aims to create a more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy landscape. The awareness and outreach component is crucial in achieving this goal, as it will educate and motivate consumers to embrace solar energy. With a comprehensive plan in place and the involvement of multiple stakeholders, the scheme is well-positioned to make a lasting impact on India’s energy sector.