West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari chaired a high-level meeting on the state’s power sector in Kolkata and announced measures to expand the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar scheme across the state.
West Bengal Government Reviews State’s Power Scenario
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Friday chaired a high-level review meeting on the state’s power scenario and allied matters at Vidyut Bhavan in Kolkata, outlining his government’s plans to strengthen electricity infrastructure and accelerate the implementation of central welfare schemes.
Addressing officials after the meeting, the chief minister said the government had completed nine weeks in office and was moving ahead with commitments made in its election manifesto.
“Today marks nine weeks since our government took office in West Bengal. Our manifesto, as well as the Prime Minister himself during the campaign, outlined exactly what would be implemented,” Adhikari said.
Solar Lighting Inaugurated for 1,810 Families
A major focus of the meeting was the rollout of the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar scheme in the state. The chief minister said that solar lighting facilities for 1,810 families were inaugurated at 6 pm under the programme.
He alleged that the previous administration had not fully participated in several centrally sponsored initiatives, including the PM Surya Ghar scheme, resulting in delays in processing applications submitted through official portals.
“The previous government did not participate in many such revolutionary, public-interest projects. However, we have started the work,” he said.
Bengal Targets More Than One Lakh Solar Installations
According to Adhikari, the Government of India has allocated a quota of one lakh units to West Bengal under the PM Surya Ghar scheme for the current financial year.
The chief minister said the state intends to surpass that target and expand access to rooftop solar installations across urban and rural areas.
The PM Surya Ghar initiative aims to encourage households to adopt solar energy by offering financial assistance and reducing electricity costs.
Additional Subsidy for SC and ST Families
The West Bengal government has announced additional financial support for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe households participating in the scheme.
Adhikari said eligible SC and ST families would receive an extra subsidy of ₹5,000 from the state government for every 100 units, over and above the subsidy already provided by the Centre.
He added that the government is also exploring ways to support economically weaker sections and farming families who may face difficulties in availing themselves of the benefits offered under the programme.
Focus on Simplifying Installation Process
The chief minister stressed the need to make the installation process easier and more accessible at the district level to ensure wider participation in the solar initiative.
Officials discussed measures to streamline implementation and improve coordination between state agencies and local administrations.
The review meeting at Vidyut Bhavan was part of the government’s broader efforts to strengthen West Bengal’s power infrastructure while promoting renewable energy and increasing the adoption of central welfare schemes.
Key Takeaways
- Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari chaired a high-level review meeting on West Bengal’s power sector in Kolkata.
- Solar lighting was inaugurated for 1,810 families under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar scheme.
- The Centre has allocated one lakh units to West Bengal for the current financial year.
- SC and ST families will receive an additional subsidy of ₹5,000 from the state government.
- The government plans to simplify the installation process at the district level.
FAQs
What was discussed at the review meeting in Kolkata?
The meeting focused on West Bengal’s power sector, renewable energy initiatives and the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar scheme.
How many families benefited from the latest solar initiative?
Solar lighting facilities were inaugurated for 1,810 families under the PM Surya Ghar scheme.
What additional support has the state government announced?
The West Bengal government will provide an additional subsidy of ₹5,000 to eligible Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe families.
How many solar units have been allocated to West Bengal?
The Government of India has allocated one lakh units to the state for the current financial year under the PM Surya Ghar scheme.
