‘PM Surya Ghar’ project launched in Bengal, state government aims to provide solar power to 500,000 homes

**Kolkata, July 22:** The central government’s ‘PM Surya Ghar: Free Electricity Scheme’ has been officially launched in West Bengal. Chief Minister Shuvendu Adhikari inaugurated the project on Tuesday. Through this project, common people are being given the opportunity to install solar power (rooftop solar) systems on their rooftops with the help of subsidies, which the government claims will significantly reduce electricity bills.

The Chief Minister stated that it is possible to set up a household solar power system at a cost of about one and a half lakh rupees. The central government will provide a subsidy of up to 78,000 rupees. As a result, the consumers' out-of-pocket expenses will be significantly reduced, and there is a possibility that electricity bills will come down to nearly zero in the long term.

According to government sources, rooftop solar systems have been launched in the homes of 1,810 families in the first phase of the project. At the same time, the state government has announced additional financial assistance for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) consumers.

## Goal to install solar panels in 500,000 homes

The Chief Minister said that the central government has set a target of implementing this project in 100,000 families during the current financial year. However, the state government has bigger plans.

He stated, **“By March next year, we want solar panels to be installed in at least 500,000 homes in the state.”**

During the inauguration ceremony of the project, the Chief Minister also spoke with several consumers virtually. One resident from Birbhum mentioned that previously his electricity bill was about 10,000 rupees every three months. After the solar power system was installed, that bill has come down to around 700 rupees.

## How much subsidy will be available?

The subsidy structure from the central government under the project is as follows:

* **Up to 100 units capacity:** 30,000 rupees subsidy

* **Up to 200 units capacity:** 60,000 rupees subsidy

* **Up to 300 units capacity:** 78,000 rupees subsidy

Additionally, for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe families, an extra **5,000 rupees** assistance will be provided at each level. Thus, a maximum of **15,000 rupees additional subsidy** can be obtained.

The state government has stated that in the future, consideration is being given to bringing other financially weaker classes of families under the additional assistance of this project.

## How to apply?

To apply for the ‘PM Surya Ghar’ project, one must go to the government portal and apply online.

For application visit: https://pmsuryaghar.gov.in

There, one must go to the ‘Consumer Login’ option and click on ‘Apply Now’. Registration can be completed by verifying the mobile number and OTP, and the application form can be submitted.

## Which district has the most consumers?

According to the data from the first phase, the most families have come under this project—

* **North 24 Parganas:** 238 families

* **Hooghly:** 232 families

The state government claims that the project will be expanded at a faster pace in the coming months.