In Chhattisgarh, Solar Energy Consumers Are Becoming Both Producers and Donors of Energy: CM Sai

₹18.5 Crore State Subsidy Transferred Online Under PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana

Raipur, Sept 2025 – Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai said that consumers of solar energy in the state are no longer just energy producers but are also becoming energy donors. Through ambitious initiatives like the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, Chhattisgarh is rapidly moving towards achieving the goal of clean energy.

Addressing the Solar Energy Awareness and Promotion Campaign organized at Pt. Deendayal Upadhyay Auditorium in Raipur, the Chief Minister emphasized that the state is committed to making solar power a people’s movement.

Solar Awareness Campaign Flagged Off

On this occasion, CM Sai flagged off the “Surya Rath” (Solar Chariot) to spread awareness about the benefits of solar energy, the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, and the subsidies provided under it. He also transferred ₹18.5 crore of state subsidy online into the accounts of 618 consumers, each receiving ₹30,000.

The Chief Minister also honored outstanding vendors for their special role in implementing the solar energy program.

A Step Towards Net-Zero by 2070

CM Sai said that climate change and rising pollution are serious concerns for all. He highlighted that it is India’s good fortune that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set the target of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070, and Chhattisgarh is playing its role with full dedication and capacity.

He explained that the state is moving beyond the “half electricity bill” scheme towards free electricity through solar energy, noting with satisfaction that citizens are adopting clean energy with enthusiasm. He urged people to motivate others to join the scheme, thereby contributing to a cleaner, greener Chhattisgarh.

Subsidy, Financing, and Kusum Scheme Benefits

The CM informed that both the central and state governments are providing subsidies to consumers. Along with this, banking facilities are offering easy financial support. He assured that in the future, consumers will benefit from completely free electricity.

Under the PM Kusum Yojana, Letters of Award were also distributed to beneficiaries. Through these schemes, consumers are not only producing solar energy and selling electricity but also availing themselves of cheap power for their own use.

From Power Deficit to Power Surplus

Recalling India’s electrification journey, CM Sai said that in 2014, PM Modi took the resolve to deliver power to every household under the Saubhagya Scheme, when 18,000 villages were still in darkness. Today, all those villages are electrified, and under his leadership, India is moving rapidly towards clean and green energy.

He added that in 2000, Chhattisgarh’s power generation capacity was only 1,400 MW, whereas today the state produces 30,000 MW and also supplies electricity to neighboring states. Under the new industrial policy, MoUs worth ₹3.5 lakh crore have been signed in the energy sector, which will further boost the state’s production capacity.

Chhattisgarh as a Leader in Energy

Expressing confidence, CM Sai said that under PM Modi’s leadership, Chhattisgarh will emerge as a leading state in energy production. He appealed to citizens to take advantage of the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and actively participate in achieving the goal of clean energy.

Youth Participation and Publications Released

During the program, Pratham Soni, a Class 12 student from Rajnandgaon, shared his views on the importance of solar energy and the government’s initiatives to promote it. On this occasion, the CM also released two publications: “Impact of Distributed Renewable Energy on Grid Stability” and the “Agrivoltaics Performer Handbook”.

Outstanding vendors playing a key role in implementing the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana were also felicitated.

The event was attended by MLA Motilal Sahu, MLA Purandar Mishra, CREDA Chairman Bhupendra Savanni, Energy Secretary Dr. Rohit Yadav, CREDA CEO Rajesh Rana, Indian Solar Energy Federation President Suman Kumar, managing directors of all three state power companies, and a large number of solar energy consumers.