Raipur. The Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (PMGSY) is proving to be a highly effective tool for providing clean, affordable, and self-sufficient energy to citizens, as well as reducing electricity costs. In this context, a highly inspiring example has emerged from Rajnandgaon district in Chhattisgarh, where two Gram Panchayat secretaries have set an example for the villagers by installing solar power plants in their own homes.
Mr. Ram Lakhan Mandavi, Secretary of Gram Panchayat Rampur, under the District Panchayat Chhuriya, and Mr. Arjun Singh Thakur, Secretary of Gram Panchayat Jondhra, have installed 3-kilowatt rooftop solar plants on their respective residences. This unique initiative by the two secretaries has not only resulted in financial savings for their homes but is also inspiring others in their surroundings to adopt clean energy.
The entire process is simple and transparent
. Sharing his experiences and benefits of the scheme, Mr. Ram Lakhan Mandavi, Secretary of Rampur, explained that he had applied online on the official portal for the PMGSY. After receiving the necessary technical approvals from the Electricity Department, a 3-kilowatt rooftop solar plant and net meter were successfully installed on his house's rooftop through a vendor authorized by the department.
A significant subsidy of ₹1.08 lakh (
approximately $1.08 lakh) was received. The most significant feature of this scheme is its affordable cost. Both secretaries received a combined subsidy of ₹1.08 lakh (approximately $1.08 lakh) from the central and state governments, significantly reducing the initial installation cost.
Environmental protection, along with savings,
Mandavi explained that most of his household's electricity needs are now met by solar energy, resulting in a significant reduction in his monthly electricity bill. Furthermore, he also enjoys the dual benefit of net metering, which allows him to remit excess electricity generated to the grid. Similarly, Mr. Arjun Singh Thakur, Secretary of the Jondhra Panchayat, praised the entire process, calling it extremely simple, easy, and transparent. He expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai for this public welfare scheme.
Appeal to citizens to become self-reliant
Both the Panchayat (Gram Panchayat Jondhra, Gram Panchayat Rampur) secretaries have appealed to the common citizens and villagers to come forward in large numbers and avail the benefits of 'PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana'. They said that by adopting solar energy, not only can one get relief from electricity expenses, but one can also make an important contribution in environmental protection as a responsible citizen.