Government Expands PM-KUSUM Scheme to Include Solar Micro-Grids
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has expanded the **Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM)** scheme to include provisions for establishing **solar micro-grids** in remote rural areas. This strategic move aims to provide reliable, 24/7 electricity to farmers for both irrigation and domestic needs, while also enabling them to generate additional income by selling surplus power. The expansion underscores the government's commitment to decentralized renewable energy and agricultural sustainability.
2-Minute Summary (TL;DR)
- The **PM-KUSUM scheme** was launched in **2019** by the **Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)**.
- Its primary aim is to **solarize agriculture** by providing financial and water security to farmers.
- The scheme has three components: Component A (ground-mounted solar plants), Component B (standalone solar pumps), and Component C (grid-connected solarization of agriculture pumps).
- Recent expansion includes support for **solar micro-grids** in **remote, off-grid rural areas**.
- This expansion aims to provide **24/7 reliable electricity** for both irrigation and domestic use in challenging terrains.
- Farmers can generate income by selling **surplus solar power** to the grid or local cooperatives.
- The scheme contributes significantly to India's target of achieving **500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030**.
- It promotes **decentralized renewable energy generation** and reduces dependence on diesel pumps.
- The scheme aligns with India's commitments under the **Paris Agreement** and Sustainable Development Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy).
Why In News
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) recently issued revised guidelines for the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) scheme, specifically expanding its scope to include support for solar micro-grids. This policy update addresses the critical need for decentralized renewable energy solutions in remote, off-grid rural areas, making the scheme more comprehensive and impactful.
Syllabus Connection
Students should revise government initiatives aimed at renewable energy promotion, rural electrification, and agricultural sustainability, focusing on the convergence of energy and agricultural policies.
Prelims vs Mains — What to Focus On
| Aspect | Prelims | Mains |
|---|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) | Understanding its role in India's energy transition and rural economic upliftment. |
| Latest Expansion | Inclusion of solar micro-grids for remote, off-grid villages. | Impact on decentralized energy access, energy security, and rural development. |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). | Role of MNRE in achieving India's renewable energy targets and policy formulation. |
| Primary Objective | Solarization of agriculture, provide reliable power, additional income for farmers. | Addressing energy-water nexus, reducing diesel dependency, enhancing farmer income. |
| Target Beneficiaries | Farmers, particularly in remote and off-grid rural areas. | Socio-economic benefits for rural communities, gender implications of energy access. |
How This Topic is Tested in Competitive Exams
| Exam | Frequency | Approx. Marks | What Gets Asked |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSC (CGL / CHSL / MTS) | Very High | 5–8 | Government schemes are one of the most tested topics in SSC CGL and CHSL GK sections. |
| Banking (IBPS / SBI) | High | 4–6 | Financial inclusion schemes, Jan Dhan, PMSBY, and credit guarantee schemes are key banking exam topics. |
| UPSC / State PCS | High | 8–12 | UPSC tests implementation, target beneficiaries, and outcomes — not just scheme names. |
| State PCS / PSC | Very High | 6–10 | Both central and state schemes are tested extensively in state PCS papers. |
Key Facts to Remember: Government Expands PM-KUSUM Scheme to Include Solar Micro-Grids
- The **PM-KUSUM scheme** was launched in **2019** by the **Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)**.
- Its primary aim is to **solarize agriculture** by providing financial and water security to farmers.
- The scheme has three components: Component A (ground-mounted solar plants), Component B (standalone solar pumps), and Component C (grid-connected solarization of agriculture pumps).
- Recent expansion includes support for **solar micro-grids** in **remote, off-grid rural areas**.
- This expansion aims to provide **24/7 reliable electricity** for both irrigation and domestic use in challenging terrains.
- Farmers can generate income by selling **surplus solar power** to the grid or local cooperatives.
- The scheme contributes significantly to India's target of achieving **500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030**.
- It promotes **decentralized renewable energy generation** and reduces dependence on diesel pumps.
- The scheme aligns with India's commitments under the **Paris Agreement** and Sustainable Development Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy).
Practice Questions
Q1. Which Ministry is primarily responsible for the implementation of the PM-KUSUM scheme?
- Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
- Ministry of Power
- Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
- Ministry of Rural Development
Explanation: The PM-KUSUM scheme falls under the purview of the **Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)**. MNRE is the nodal ministry for all new and renewable energy-related matters, including solar energy initiatives like PM-KUSUM.
Q2. What is the significant new inclusion in the expanded PM-KUSUM scheme guidelines?
- Subsidies for diesel generators
- Support for large-scale thermal power plants
- Provision for solar micro-grids in remote areas
- Promotion of nuclear energy for irrigation
Explanation: The recent expansion of the **PM-KUSUM scheme** specifically includes provisions for setting up **solar micro-grids**. This targets remote rural areas lacking conventional grid connectivity, providing decentralized energy solutions.
Q3. What is one of the key benefits for farmers under the PM-KUSUM scheme, beyond irrigation?
- Free agricultural tools
- Direct cash transfers for crop production
- Opportunity to sell surplus solar power
- Access to international agricultural markets
Explanation: A significant benefit of the **PM-KUSUM scheme** is the provision for farmers to sell surplus solar power generated from their solar pumps or ground-mounted plants. This creates an additional income stream, enhancing their financial security.
Q4. Which of the following is NOT a component of the original PM-KUSUM scheme?
- Installation of standalone solar pumps
- Solarization of grid-connected agriculture pumps
- Setting up of ground-mounted grid-connected solar power plants
- Establishment of large-scale offshore wind farms
Explanation: The original **PM-KUSUM scheme** focused on solarizing agriculture through standalone solar pumps (Component B), grid-connected pump solarization (Component C), and ground-mounted solar plants (Component A). Offshore wind farms are a separate renewable energy initiative.
Q5. India aims to achieve what target for non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030, to which PM-KUSUM contributes?
- 100 GW
- 250 GW
- 500 GW
- 750 GW
Explanation: India has set an ambitious target of achieving **500 GW** of installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by **2030**. Schemes like **PM-KUSUM** are crucial in contributing to this national and international commitment.
How to Prepare Government Schemes for Government Exams — Government Expands PM-KUSUM Scheme to Include Sol…
Create a scheme log: Name | Ministry | Target | Key Feature. Add every new scheme as it appears. Review this weekly.
Focus on 'Flagship' schemes: PM-KISAN, PMAY, Ayushman Bharat, PM SVANidhi. These generate the most questions.
For UPSC, understand the policy objective behind the scheme — income support, housing, health insurance. The 'why' matters more than the name.
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