MNRE Amends Guidelines For Disbursing Incentives To Local Bodies Under PM-Surya Ghar Yojana

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued an office memorandum announcing amendments to the guidelines for the PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, specifically under the component “Incentive to Local Bodies.” The decision comes in response to operational difficulties faced during the implementation of the earlier provisions.

As per the existing clause 6(c), Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) were required to upload their authorized account details on the National Portal. Alternatively, their details were to be integrated using existing databases with the Ministry of Panchayati Raj (through e-Gram Swaraj via API) or with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs or respective state bodies.

The amended clause changes this process. Now, the National Programme Implementation Agency (NPIA) will disburse funds directly to the State Implementation Agencies (SIAs) based on the number of rooftop solar installations completed in their jurisdiction. These SIAs will be responsible for transferring the incentive funds to the respective ULBs and PRIs within 60 days of receiving the amount from NPIA. This amendment aims to streamline the fund transfer process and improve implementation efficiency. The amendment has been issued with the approval of the Competent Authority.