Jammu, Jan 21: The implementation of the Prime Minister’s flagship PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSGMBY) has gained remarkable traction in Jammu & Kashmir, positioning the Union Territory at the forefront of India’s household-level renewable energy revolution.
Designed to provide free electricity up to 300 units per month through grid-connected rooftop solar systems, the scheme is rapidly transforming energy consumption patterns while strengthening energy self-reliance and sustainability across urban and rural households.
Backed by strong administrative oversight and a robust digital delivery framework, the scheme is being rolled out in a structured, transparent, and time-bound manner, reflecting the UT Administration’s commitment to clean energy adoption and consumer-centric governance.
Impressive on-ground progress
As of 31 December 2025, the scheme has recorded robust physical and financial progress. A total of 17,998 rooftop solar systems have been installed across Jammu & Kashmir, with 16,284 systems already commissioned and feeding clean power into the grid.
The financial impact is equally significant. Subsidies have been disbursed to 14,889 beneficiaries by the Central Government and 2,234 beneficiaries by the UT Government, with cumulative releases amounting to Rs 129.57 crore from the Centre and Rs 2.99 crore from the UT, underscoring the scale and seriousness of implementation.
Consumer-friendly subsidy structure
The subsidy architecture under PM Surya Ghar has been designed to deliver maximum financial relief to households across different system capacities. For a 1 kW rooftop solar system, against an average project cost of Rs 55,000, consumers receive Rs 33,000 as MNRE subsidy and Rs 3,000 as UT subsidy, bringing the total subsidy to Rs 36,000.
Similarly, 2 kW systems receive a total subsidy of Rs 72,000, while 3 kW systems attract a combined subsidy of Rs 94,800, substantially reducing upfront costs. This carefully calibrated subsidy framework has made rooftop solar installations financially viable and attractive, particularly for middle-income and lower-income households, accelerating adoption across the UT.
Digital outreach and vibrant vendor ecosystem
The scheme’s fully digital execution model has ensured transparency, speed, and ease of access for consumers. The national portal has received 86,905 consumer applications, reflecting strong public enthusiasm and awareness.
To support this surge in demand, a robust vendor ecosystem has been developed, with 1,403 vendors registered across the UT. Vendor-consumer agreements have been signed in 11,779 cases, while access to affordable finance has been facilitated through institutional mechanisms.
Availability of attractive finance for RTS installation
A total of 26,225 loan applications have been submitted, of which 16,186 loans have already been disbursed at a special interest rate of around 7% per annum, covering up to 95% of the project cost. This financial support has ensured that even households with limited upfront resources can participate in the solar transition. Additionally, 2,285 sites have already received material delivery, reflecting steady on-ground progress.
Strong institutional framework and policy support
The scheme’s implementation is being closely monitored at the highest administrative level, with the Chief Secretary personally overseeing progress and coordination. Both power distribution utilities—Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (JPDCL) and Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL)—have been designated as State Implementing Agencies, ensuring seamless execution across all districts.
In a significant policy intervention aimed at enhancing affordability, the UT Government opted to supplement the Central Financial Assistance (CFA) provided by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) with an additional UT subsidy. This decision led to the sanction of Rs 53.53 crore from the UT Budget for supporting 85,000 residential beneficiaries over a three-year period from 2024–25 to 2026–27, reinforcing the Administration’s pro-people approach.
Awareness, capacity building and technical preparedness
Recognising that awareness and technical competence are key to sustained success, the UT Administration has undertaken extensive outreach and capacity-building initiatives. Over 37.90 lakh bulk SMS messages have been disseminated to inform consumers, complemented by 923 IEC campaigns conducted across districts.
On the technical front, 138 structured training programmes have been organised, with 2,600 engineers trained to ensure quality installations, grid safety, and long-term system reliability.
Responsive grievance redressal
A strong and responsive grievance redressal mechanism has been institutionalised to maintain consumer confidence. Out of 1,157 grievances received from consumers and vendors, 1,154 have already been resolved, reflecting the Administration’s emphasis on accountability and service delivery.
Driving sustainable development and energy security
The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana is fast emerging as a transformational initiative in Jammu & Kashmir. Beyond substantially reducing electricity bills—even making them zero for many households—the scheme is strengthening grid resilience through decentralized generation and reducing dependence on conventional power sources.
With strong policy backing, substantial financial support, and enthusiastic public participation, Jammu & Kashmir is steadily advancing towards its renewable energy targets while contributing meaningfully to India’s national climate and energy security goals.
The J&K Administration remains firmly committed to scaling up rooftop solar adoption and ensuring that the benefits of this landmark initiative reach every eligible household within the stipulated timeline, ushering in a cleaner, greener, and more self-reliant energy future for the Union Territory.
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