Odisha links PM Surya Ghar Yojana to PMAY, housing schemes for solar access
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Odisha Deputy Chief Minister and Energy Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo on Wednesday, 8 July announced that the PM-Surya Ghar Yojana will be integrated with the state's major housing programmes, including Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana (PMAY), in a move aimed at delivering clean, affordable electricity to every housing beneficiary in the state.
What the Integration Means for Beneficiaries
Under the proposed linkage, solar rooftop installation will be offered as an opt-in benefit for households already enrolled under PMAY and other state housing schemes. Singh Deo said the goal is to ensure that every housing beneficiary also gains access to solar power, reducing electricity bills while guaranteeing round-the-clock clean energy supply.
For a 1 KW rooftop solar installation in urban areas, beneficiaries will receive a combined subsidy of ₹30,000 from the Centre and ₹25,000 from the Odisha government. The out-of-pocket cost for the beneficiary is just ₹1,875 per kilowatt of solar panel installed, according to an official release.
Key Decisions from the High-Level Review
The announcement came during a high-level review meeting chaired by Singh Deo, covering power sector reforms, safety infrastructure, and scheme implementation. Among the significant decisions taken at the meeting was the approval of a ₹3,708-crore underground cabling project across all four DISCOMs in Odisha, intended to replace existing overhead power lines.
Additional safety measures directed at the meeting include: preparing a comprehensive Detailed Project Report (DPR) on safety for Odisha's DISCOMs; replacing bare conductors with insulated conductors; shifting low-hanging wires; installing fencing at distribution substations; constructing boundary walls around power sub-stations; providing cradle and guard wires for LT line protection; and developing a utility shifting portal and app along with an LTDB for LT protection.
Electrification and Infrastructure Push
The Deputy CM also reviewed the implementation of the PM-SGMBY and ULA Model for both urban and rural electrification, covering poles, wiring, and streetlights. Singh Deo directed officials to ensure time-bound execution of all safety and infrastructure projects, stressing the state government's commitment to providing safe, reliable, and sustainable power to every household in Odisha.
Senior Ministers and Officials Present
The meeting was attended by Housing and Urban Development Minister Dr Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, Rural Development, Panchayatiraj and Drinking Water Minister Rabi Narayan Naik, and other senior officials. All relevant departments are expected to work in coordination to deliver safe and reliable service under the integrated framework.
The integration of PM-Surya Ghar with housing schemes marks a significant step in Odisha's renewable energy push, with the state now setting a model for linking central solar subsidies directly to existing welfare housing delivery pipelines.