PM Surya Ghar: 10 Million Households Registered for Rooftop Solar
The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana has rapidly achieved a major milestone, registering over 10 million households for rooftop solar installations within months of its launch. This ambitious scheme, backed by an outlay of over ₹75,000 crore, aims to provide up to 300 units of free electricity monthly to 1 crore households across India, significantly boosting the nation's renewable energy capacity and offering financial relief to citizens.
2-Minute Summary (TL;DR)
- The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana aims to provide free electricity up to 300 units monthly to 1 crore (10 million) households.
- The scheme offers significant financial assistance, including a central financial assistance (CFA) subsidy for rooftop solar installations.
- Households can avail a subsidy of ₹30,000 for 1 kW systems, ₹60,000 for 2 kW systems, and ₹78,000 for systems above 3 kW.
- The total outlay for the scheme is over ₹75,000 crore , demonstrating a substantial government commitment.
- Beneficiaries can also access collateral-free low-interest loans, currently at around 7% , for the balance cost of the system.
- The scheme promotes a national online portal for simplified application and subsidy processing.
- It is a major step towards India's goal of achieving 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030 .
- The initiative is expected to reduce household electricity bills, contribute to environmental sustainability, and create employment opportunities.
- The scheme is implemented by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) .
Why In News
The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana recently achieved a significant milestone, recording over 10 million household registrations for rooftop solar installations. This rapid uptake, occurring within months of its launch, highlights the scheme's immediate success and public enthusiasm for sustainable energy solutions, making it a prominent topic in current affairs.
Syllabus Connection
This news connects to understanding government initiatives aimed at promoting renewable energy, energy security, and sustainable development, particularly through decentralized power generation and public participation.
Prelims vs Mains — What to Focus On
| Aspect | Prelims | Mains |
|---|---|---|
| Scheme Name | PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana | Government's strategy for energy transition and household empowerment. |
| Primary Objective | Promote rooftop solar, provide free electricity up to 300 units. | Decentralized energy, reducing carbon footprint, economic relief for households. |
| Target | 1 crore (10 million) households initially. | Achieving energy independence, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. |
| Key Benefit | Subsidy for solar installation, 300 units free electricity. | Financial savings, environmental sustainability, energy security for citizens. |
| Ministry | Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). | Inter-ministerial coordination for large-scale infrastructure projects. |
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. |
| State PCS / PSC | Very High | 6–10 | Both central and state schemes are tested extensively in state PCS papers. |
| Banking (IBPS / SBI) | High | 4–6 | Financial inclusion schemes, Jan Dhan, PMSBY, and credit guarantee schemes are key banking exam topics. |
Key Facts to Remember: PM Surya Ghar: 10 Million Households Registered for Rooftop Solar
- The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana aims to provide free electricity up to 300 units monthly to 1 crore (10 million) households.
- The scheme offers significant financial assistance, including a central financial assistance (CFA) subsidy for rooftop solar installations.
- Households can avail a subsidy of ₹30,000 for 1 kW systems, ₹60,000 for 2 kW systems, and ₹78,000 for systems above 3 kW.
- The total outlay for the scheme is over ₹75,000 crore , demonstrating a substantial government commitment.
- Beneficiaries can also access collateral-free low-interest loans, currently at around 7% , for the balance cost of the system.
- The scheme promotes a national online portal for simplified application and subsidy processing.
- It is a major step towards India's goal of achieving 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030 .
- The initiative is expected to reduce household electricity bills, contribute to environmental sustainability, and create employment opportunities.
- The scheme is implemented by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) .
Practice Questions
Q1. What is the primary target of the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana in terms of household coverage?
- 5 million
- 10 million
- 15 million
- 20 million
Explanation: The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana aims to cover 1 crore (10 million) households across India with rooftop solar installations. This target is central to the scheme's objective of promoting widespread adoption of solar energy.
Q2. What is the maximum amount of free electricity units per month promised under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana?
- 100 units
- 200 units
- 300 units
- 500 units
Explanation: A key benefit of the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana is the provision of up to 300 units of free electricity per month to beneficiary households. This aims to significantly reduce electricity bills for participating families.
Q3. What is the central financial assistance (CFA) subsidy provided for a 2 kW rooftop solar system under the PM Surya Ghar scheme?
- ₹30,000
- ₹45,000
- ₹60,000
- ₹78,000
Explanation: Under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, a 2 kW rooftop solar system is eligible for a central financial assistance (CFA) subsidy of ₹60,000. This subsidy structure is designed to make solar installations more affordable for households.
Q4. Which Union Ministry is primarily responsible for the implementation of the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana?
- Ministry of Power
- Ministry of Finance
- Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
- Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
Explanation: The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana falls under the purview of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). This ministry is tasked with promoting and developing renewable energy sources across the country.
Q5. What is the approximate total outlay approved for the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana?
- ₹50,000 crore
- ₹65,000 crore
- ₹75,000 crore
- ₹1,00,000 crore
Explanation: The Union Cabinet approved a substantial outlay of over ₹75,000 crore for the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. This significant investment underscores the government's commitment to expanding rooftop solar adoption nationwide.
How to Prepare Government Schemes for Government Exams — PM Surya Ghar: 10 Million Households Registered f…
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.
Related Current Affairs
Test Your Knowledge on Today's Current Affairs
10 questions · 10 minutes · Based on today's GK updates. See how prepared you really are.
Start Daily Quiz