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Parliament’s Standing Committee on Energy Highlights Challenges in Achieving PM Surya Ghar Rooftop Solar Target

The Parliament’s Standing Committee on Energy has expressed concerns over the slow pace of rooftop solar installations under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) aims to install 3.5 million rooftop solar systems by FY 2025-26, but as of now, only 905,000 households have benefited, and 600,000 households have received subsidies. Given the current progress, achieving the fourfold increase required to meet the target seems challenging.

Registrations and Awareness Initiatives
As of February 25, 2025, there have been 1.72 crore registrations and 0.456 crore applications for rooftop solar through the national portal. The committee recommended increasing awareness by promoting the program in regional languages to encourage wider adoption. It also emphasized the need for strict compliance with operation and maintenance (O&M) obligations to ensure system longevity.

Delays in Green Energy Corridor and Budget Utilization
MNRE reported that Phase I of the Green Energy Corridor faced delays due to right-of-way issues, while Phase III is planned for rollout by FY 2026. The committee also highlighted underutilization of funds, noting that MNRE used only 82% of its budget in FY 2023 and 83% in FY 2024. So far, 68% of the allocated budget for FY 2025 has been utilized. Since FY 2021, MNRE has surrendered Rs7,656 crore due to non-utilization.

Budget Reallocations and Policy Updates
MNRE has exempted states from contributing to subsidies under PM-KUSUM and integrated the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund into Component A, enabling farmers to access 6% interest loans. In the recent Union Budget, the solar sector’s allocation increased from Rs15,061 crore. The National Green Hydrogen Mission’s funding also doubled from Rs300 crore.