Jammu: In a significant stride toward sustainable energy transition, 5,413 households across Jammu and Kashmir have received zero electricity bills under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, marking a major milestone in the implementation of the rooftop solar initiative in the Union Territory.
The update came during a comprehensive review meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, convened to assess the progress of the scheme and deliberate on strategies to accelerate its implementation. The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary, Power Development Department (PDD) Shailendra Kumar, Principal Secretary, Finance, Commissioner Secretary, Industries & Commerce, Secretary, Science & Technology Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, and senior officials from JPDCL, KPDCL, JAKEDA, and other departments. All Deputy Commissioners participated via video conference.
At the outset, officials informed that 13,579 rooftop solar systems have been installed across the Union Territory, out of which 5,413 consumers are already availing zero electricity bills, reflecting strong progress under the scheme.
Chief Secretary Dulloo highlighted the transformative potential of the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, describing it as a cornerstone for reducing the region’s energy deficit and promoting clean, affordable power. He directed district administrations and power distribution companies to ensure smooth, time-bound implementation of the scheme and strengthen public outreach campaigns to educate citizens on its benefits.
Emphasizing public awareness, the Chief Secretary instructed JPDCL and KPDCL to step up information campaigns, assist consumers in vendor selection, and ensure faster rooftop installations. He also called for robust monitoring, periodic evaluation of district-level progress, and improved coordination with banks to facilitate timely loan disbursements to eligible households.
During the discussions, ACS PDD Shailendra Kumar urged greater synergy among banks, vendors, and district administrations, stressing transparency in vendor selection and prompt signing of consumer agreements. He called on financial institutions to promote awareness about available subsidies and low-interest financing options under the scheme. Kumar also emphasized strict performance monitoring of call centres and vendor accountability mechanisms.
Managing Director, JPDCL, Gurpal Singh, informed that Jammu and Kashmir has set a target of 83,500 households under the PM Surya Ghar Scheme. So far, 76,000 applications have been received, with 37,500 consumers selecting vendors and 17,151 signing agreements. Additionally, 13,615 rooftop solar systems have been installed, and Central Financial Assistance (CFA) worth ₹96.68 crore has been released to 11,297 beneficiaries.
Reviewing the solarization of government buildings, the Chief Secretary was apprised that 6,716 out of 22,494 government structures have already been solarized, achieving an installed capacity of 64.67 MW. Under the 70 MW Rooftop Solar Project, 47.45 MW of work orders have been issued, while 25.5 MW installations across 1,987 sites have been completed. Another 5 MW is expected to be delivered by November 30.
Concluding the meeting, Chief Secretary Dulloo reaffirmed the Administration’s commitment to advancing Jammu and Kashmir’s clean energy transition and promoting self-reliant power generation. He directed all departments to ensure expeditious and transparent implementation of the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana across all 20 districts.
