Shillong, July 16: The Meghalaya Government plans to significantly increase beneficiary coverage under two major central solar energy programmes—PM-KUSUM and the PM Surya Ghar Mission—during the current financial year.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said this after reviewing the functioning of the Power Department on Thursday. He said the government would focus on improving implementation through closer coordination with central agencies and vendors empanelled by the Government of India. “We reviewed both PM-KUSUM and PM Surya Ghar. These require us to work closely with different agencies and suppliers empanelled by the Government of India to reach beneficiaries,” Sangma said.
Highlighting the importance of PM-KUSUM for the farming community, the Chief Minister said solar-powered irrigation pumps could play a crucial role in supporting agricultural activities. He said the government has set a target to increase the number of farmers benefiting from solar pumping systems under the scheme during the current financial year.
On the PM Surya Ghar Mission, Sangma said subsidised rooftop solar panels would enable households to generate electricity and reduce their power expenses. Part of the installation cost will be borne by the beneficiary, while the remaining amount will be subsidised by the Centre.
The Chief Minister said the state government has identified specific targets and action points to accelerate the implementation of both schemes. He added that strategies have been prepared to clarify the state government’s role, increase beneficiary participation and ensure the programmes are implemented more efficiently across Meghalaya.
