SHILLONG, JUL 16: The Meghalaya government plans to expand coverage under two central solar schemes this year, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said on Thursday after a review of the Power department.
Sangma said the focus will be on better implementation of PM-KUSUM and PM Surya Ghar Mission through closer coordination with central agencies and empanelled vendors.
“We reviewed both PM-KUSUM and PM Surya Ghar. These require us to work closely with different agencies and suppliers empanelled by the government of India to reach beneficiaries,” he said.
Highlighting PM-KUSUM, the CM said solar-powered irrigation pumps are critical for farmers and the state has set targets to increase beneficiaries in the current financial year.
On PM Surya Ghar, he said rooftop solar panels will be installed with central subsidy so households get free electricity.
“Part of the cost will be borne by the beneficiary, and the rest will be subsidized by the government of India,” Sangma said.
The state has identified action points to speed up rollout.
“We have chalked out strategies… to increase beneficiaries and ensure the programs are implemented more efficiently,” he added.
