The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy released guidelines for the ‘Model Solar Village’ initiative under the PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, allocating Rs 8 billion to develop solar-powered villages across India. Each selected village will receive Rs 10 million to bolster its solar energy infrastructure. The initiative aims to establish one Model Solar Village per district, promoting solar energy adoption and enabling these communities to meet their energy needs independently.
Eligible villages must be recognized revenue villages with populations over 5,000, or 2,000 in special category states. The selection process is competitive, with villages assessed based on their renewable energy (RE) capacity installed within six months of the announcement by the District Level Committee (DLC). The village with the highest installed RE capacity in each district will receive Rs 10 million in central financial assistance.
The scheme will be administered by State/UT Renewable Energy Development Agencies under DLC supervision, with the goal of transforming selected villages into model solar-powered communities. This initiative is part of the broader PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, approved by the Government of India on February 29, 2024. With a total budget of Rs 750.21 billion, the yojana aims to expand solar rooftop capacity and empower residential households to generate their own electricity by FY 2026-27, supporting India’s renewable energy goals.
The Model Solar Village initiative not only seeks to enhance energy self-sufficiency in rural areas but also aims to contribute to India’s larger goals of reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable development. By prioritizing solar energy, the initiative is expected to create job opportunities, stimulate local economies, and encourage technological advancements in renewable energy. This project aligns with the government’s commitment to transitioning towards a greener future, making significant strides in the adoption of clean energy across the nation.
