Expedite installation of rooftop solar units: CM

Patna: Chief minister Samrat Choudhary on Monday directed officials to fast-track the installation of solar plants for 10 lakh Kutir Jyoti consumers under the Kutir Jyoti Yojana, calling it a priority target that must move from planning to visible, on-ground execution.

Reviewing the energy department’s progress at the Sankalp hall in Lok Sewak Avas, the CM also ordered faster implementation of the Pradhanmantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, with a clear push to bring the maximum number of households under its coverage. He said consumers must be actively motivated to adopt rooftop solar unit, stressing that awareness and facilitation should go hand in hand so families can shift towards clean, self-generated power.

Choudhary further instructed officials to expand solar units in agricultural feeders, adding that more feeders should be brought under the programme to ensure wider use of green energy in farming operations and reduce pressure on conventional supply.

Highlighting ongoing consumer relief, he said the state govt is providing free electricity up to 125 units per month to domestic consumers under the Mukhyamantri Vidyut Upbhokta Sahayata Yojana.

The CM said Bihar’s focus is to scale up green and clean energy through a comprehensive plan that increases power generation capacity while reducing dependence on traditional sources. He directed that installed solar panels must be properly maintained to ensure consistent output. He also asked officials to encourage Jeevika members in rural areas to set up solar plants and to widely publicise the working and benefits of solar installations so adoption rises across villages.

Energy secretary Ajay Yadav briefed the CM through a presentation on department’s progress, consumer benefits under govt schemes, the Surya Ghar initiative, solarisation plans for BPL consumers, additional incentives for Jeevika Didis, the PM-KUSUM scheme, and upcoming targets. Energy minister Shailesh Kumar alias Bulo Mandal was present on this occasion.