Jaipur: Amending the free electricity scheme of the previous Congress government for domestic consumers, the ruling BJP in Rajasthan is planning to install one kilowatt solar panel for each consumer. This will be linked to the PM Suryagarh Yojana (PM Suryagarh Scheme).
The previous Ashok Gehlot government had launched the free electricity scheme of up to 100 units for domestic consumers. This is a direct benefit scheme which is benefiting about 96 lakh domestic consumers with a maximum discount of up to Rs 562.50 per month. Out of these, 62 lakh consumers are getting zero bills. This is putting a burden of Rs 5,600 crore annually on the government, however around 16 lakh domestic consumers are still out of the scheme as they are not registered under the scheme.
Despite this huge burden, due to political compulsion, the ruling BJP is not in position to shut the scheme, so it has come up with an amendment formula of linking it with solar energy and at the same time expend the benefit of free electricity up to 150 units.
The proposed scheme is to install a one kilowatt solar panel for each consumer which will produce 4 to 5 units of electricity per day and in this way the consumer will get 150 units of electricity every month.
For consumers who lack roof space, community solar panel installations will be provided. These panels will be installed at the nearest electricity sub-stations or community centers or other locations with ample space.
As per officials of the energy department of the state, the central government gives a subsidy of Rs 30,000 for installing the solar planel under the PM Suryagarh Yojna, while the remaining amount, which is expected to be around 18 -20 thousand would be borne by the state government.
“This one time expenditure of installing solar panels will make the government free from the annual huge burden of subsidy and at the same time, it will reduce the demand for electricity generated from fossil fuels,” said a senior official of the department.
A timeframe will be set for joining the amended scheme m. Until then, the existing subsidy will continue. The proposed scheme is under consideration of the finance department of the state and is likely to clear in a day or two, said the officials.
