Follow India Renewable Energy News on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights

MNRE Updates Guidelines for Awareness and Outreach Component Under PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued an amendment to the guidelines governing the ‘Awareness and Outreach’ component of the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, introducing key clarifications to the committee composition and implementation framework for nationwide and state-level awareness campaigns aimed at boosting rooftop solar adoption.

Key Amendments and Committee Structure

As per the updated guidelines, the Representative of the Information & Public Awareness (I&PA) Division, MNRE (Director/Deputy Secretary or equivalent) will now serve as a standing member of the Awareness and Outreach Committee.

In addition, State Implementing Agencies (SIAs) and representatives from concerned Central Ministries or Departments will be invited as special invitees when their proposals for awareness activities are under consideration. This revision replaces the earlier format where these entities were listed as fixed representatives.

The amendment aims to streamline inter-agency participation and improve coordination between national and state-level implementation teams, ensuring more targeted and efficient communication campaigns.

Background and Implementation Framework

The revision follows MNRE’s operational guidelines issued on July 19, 2024, which outlined the strategy for planning, executing, and monitoring awareness activities under the scheme.

Launched on February 29, 2024, the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana seeks to install rooftop solar systems across one crore households, with a total budget of ?75,021 crore until FY 2026–27. Out of this, ?657 crore (around 1% of the total outlay) is allocated for awareness and outreach initiatives.

Focus on Awareness Campaigns and Public Engagement

Both the National Programme Implementing Agency (NPIA) and State Implementing Agencies (SIAs) will conduct a series of public outreach campaigns, including:

• TV and radio advertisements

• Social media promotions

• Nukkad nataks (street plays)

• Door-to-door awareness drives

• Campaigns through Common Service Centres (CSCs), post offices, and local institutions

The Ministry has also directed all stakeholders to adhere to Central Bureau of Communication (CBC) and National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) norms for media rates and publicity material procurement.

All awareness efforts will maintain standardized branding under the PM Surya Ghar scheme, with any form of co-branding requiring prior MNRE approval to ensure consistency and credibility in communication.

Strengthening Rooftop Solar Awareness Nationwide

The updated provisions are expected to enhance coordination among agencies and ensure high-impact, consistent messaging to drive mass adoption of rooftop solar systems across India.

By streamlining the outreach mechanism, MNRE aims to amplify the scheme’s visibility and ensure greater participation from households, helping India move closer to its renewable energy and energy independence goals.