Dehradun: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in the “Mukhya Sevak Samvad” program with the developers of the Chief Minister Solar Self-Employment Scheme at the Chief Sevak Sadan located at the Chief Minister’s residence on Thursday. On this occasion, the Chief Minister announced that women associated with the Chief Minister Solar Self-Employment Scheme would be given the title “Solar Sakhis.” To widely promote the Chief Minister Solar Self-Employment Scheme and other related self-employment schemes, special camps will be organized at the block level. People in each district will be trained for the maintenance of solar plants.
The Chief Minister said that under this scheme, a target of 250 megawatts has already been achieved in the state. Efforts are being made to further expand this scheme. Solar energy, being an unlimited source, is also environmentally friendly. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is constantly working to promote the use of solar energy on a large scale through various schemes. Schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Yojana and PM-KUSUM, as well as the formation of the International Solar Alliance under India’s leadership, are playing a significant role in promoting the use of solar energy. The Prime Minister has set a target of producing 500 gigawatts of electricity through solar energy by 2030. He has also set a goal for the country to become carbon neutral by 2070.
The Chief Minister mentioned that a new solar energy policy has been implemented in the state to promote solar energy. A target of 2500 megawatts of solar capacity has been set by the year 2027. Special subsidies are being provided to promote rooftop solar plants in the state. Beneficiaries are also being given subsidies for setting up solar power plants through the PM Surya Ghar Yojana. Under the Chief Minister Solar Self-Employment Scheme, a grant of 20% to 50% is being given for establishing projects ranging from 20 to 200 kilowatts. An additional 5% subsidy is being provided for women, Scheduled Castes and Tribes, and persons with disabilities. A 4% interest subsidy is being provided on loans for setting up these plants. A 25-year power purchase agreement with UPCL ensures the guaranteed purchase of electricity. To make the entire process transparent and technologically robust, the procedures from application to allocation have been made simple, accessible, and efficient through an online portal.
The Chief Minister added that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is rapidly moving toward becoming a developed and self-reliant nation. Today, India has become the world’s fourth-largest economy, with a GDP of over 4 trillion dollars. Through initiatives like “Vocal for Local,” “Make in India,” and “Startup India,” the country is moving swiftly toward self-reliance. He stated that the state government is also working on several important schemes to curb migration from the hills and to promote the local economy and tourism. Through the “One District, Two Products” scheme, local livelihood opportunities have been promoted, while the “House of Himalayas” brand has helped give wider recognition to local products.
During the discussion, Shailendra Singh from Uttarkashi said that the Chief Minister Solar Self-Employment Scheme is highly beneficial for hilly areas and also helps in the productive use of barren land. Vikas Mohan from Chamoli said that the scheme should be promoted up to the block level so that people can benefit from it more widely. Roopa Rani from Pauri suggested that a scheme should be designed to promote women’s empowerment in the solar energy sector. Ketan Bhardwaj from Champawat emphasized the need for training in solar plant maintenance.
On this occasion, Principal Secretary R. Meenakshi Sundaram, Additional Secretary and Director of UREDA Mrs. Ranjana Rajguru, UJVNL Managing Director Mr. Sandeep Singhal, and PTCUL Managing Director Mr. P.C. Dhyani were present.
