'2' Big Moves to Energise the Poor in Haryana: Free Solar Power and Cheaper Electricity

Addressing a state-level event in Ambala, Chief Minister Nayab Saini unveiled the 'Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana', a central government scheme to provide free solar panels to underprivileged households. The Haryana government has abolished the monthly minimum electricity charges of Rs 115 per KW for those with up to 2KW load. Now, 9.5 lakh families will only pay for actual consumption, saving Rs 274 crore annually.

Cheaper Power, Brighter Homes 

The CM declared that households consuming between 10-100 units of electricity per month will pay a maximum of Rs 200, providing substantial relief to the common man. This move is expected to benefit over 23 lakh low-income families across the state.The Rs 1.1 lakh cost will be jointly covered by the Centre (Rs 60,000) and state (Rs 50,000). The scheme aims to ease bill payment troubles for the poor. 

Empowering the Underprivileged

Under the PM's solar panel scheme, families with an annual income below Rs 1.8 lakh will receive free solar panels, promoting the use of renewable energy. The Centre will provide a subsidy of Rs 60,000 for 2KW solar panels, and the state will provide an additional Rs 50,000 for families consuming up to 200 units per month. 

Energy Self-Reliance

To meet Haryana's rising power demand, CM Saini announced setting up an 800 MW ultra supercritical thermal power unit at Hisar's Rajiv Gandhi Plant, costing Rs 7,250 crore. This major investment underlines the state's focus on energy self-sufficiency. 

Towards a Greener Haryana

The Chief Minister emphasised the government's commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development. The free solar panel scheme is a significant step towards reducing the state's carbon footprint and promoting clean energy. He reiterated the government's goal of providing 24-hour electricity to every village in Haryana.

The Chief Minister emphasized the government's people-friendly approach, contrasting it with opposition parties that previously "made electricity a political issue" instead of ensuring 24x7 supply. Under the current "double-engine" BJP regime, all villages now receive uninterrupted power through schemes like 'Hamara Gaon Jagmag Gaon', he stated.