The Gujarat government on Thursday, 28 May directed all offices, institutions, universities, and corporations under the state Agriculture Department to install solar rooftop systems, with Agriculture Minister Jitu Vaghani ordering an immediate start to the process. The move follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent appeal to government institutions and citizens to adopt renewable energy and cut dependence on conventional fuels.

What Was Ordered

Vaghani issued a clear directive: every office, board, corporation, and educational institution under the Agriculture Department where solar rooftops are yet to be installed must begin the project 'on an immediate basis.' All concerned offices have been instructed to prepare and submit proposals to the Gujarat Energy Development Agency (GEDA) within the next seven days, so that implementation can proceed on a 'war footing.'

The decision was taken under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and is aimed at reducing electricity expenditure in government offices while strengthening Gujarat's standing in the clean energy sector.

Modi's Seven-Point Energy Appeal

The directive is a direct response to a seven-point public appeal made by Prime Minister Modi earlier this month, issued against the backdrop of global energy uncertainty and rising pressure on India's fuel import bill. The appeals included reducing petrol and diesel consumption, encouraging public transport and carpooling, promoting work from home wherever feasible, using domestically produced goods, and avoiding unnecessary expenditure. Modi has also called for rooftop solar adoption to be taken up in 'mission mode' across cities, residential complexes, and public institutions to lower electricity costs and strengthen energy security.

Gujarat's Place in India's Rooftop Solar Push

The order aligns with a broader national drive for rooftop solar expansion under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. According to government data presented in Parliament, more than 25 lakh rooftop solar systems had been installed across India by March 2026, with Gujarat ranked among the leading states in implementation. Officials said the Agriculture Department initiative is expected to meaningfully reduce recurring electricity expenditure while reinforcing the state's clean-energy credentials.

Why This Matters

Gujarat has historically been a frontrunner in renewable energy adoption, and the Agriculture Department — which oversees a wide network of offices, universities, and corporations — represents a significant addition to the state's solar footprint. Notably, this is not a standalone decision: it is part of a cascading institutional response to a prime ministerial push, signalling that the Centre's energy messaging is translating into concrete state-level executive action. The seven-day proposal deadline to GEDA suggests the government is treating this as a priority rather than a routine compliance exercise.

With Gujarat's Agriculture Department now formally in the solar mandate, other state departments and neighbouring states may face similar pressure to accelerate their own rooftop installations in the weeks ahead.