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Mirzapur: A special awareness and interactive session was held on Friday at the Vikas Bhawan meeting hall to take the Prime Minister’s ambitious ‘PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana’ (Free Electricity Scheme) to a wider audience in Mirzapur district and to connect more families with rooftop solar installations. Representatives from the district administration, UPNEDA, banks, DISCOMs, solar vendors, and the industry sector participated in detailed discussions regarding the scheme’s effective implementation, financial facilities, quality installation, and raising public awareness.
The event was organized by the Uttar Pradesh State Chapter of the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) and Firstview, in collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA). It is part of a series of district-level awareness and outreach programs being conducted across seven districts of the Purvanchal region.
The program commenced with the presentation of bouquets and mementos to the guests. Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest and Chief Development Officer (CDO) Vijay Kumar Singh (IAS) stated that Uttar Pradesh holds the top position in the country regarding the PM Surya Ghar scheme; he emphasized that effective coordination among the district administration, government departments, banks, and solar vendors is crucial to sustaining this success.
He stressed the need for the timely processing of applications and ensuring quality solar installations so that the scheme’s benefits reach every eligible family without delay. He urged all concerned departments to work in coordination so that Mirzapur could achieve remarkable progress in the scheme’s implementation.
District Development Officer Rajiv Kumar Sharma stated that special efforts would be made to disseminate information about the scheme down to the block and village levels. He stated that a large number of families are still unaware of the full details regarding subsidies and other benefits available for rooftop solar installations. In this context, village and block-level teams will play a crucial role in raising public awareness.
Sandeep Kumar, General Manager of the District Industries Centre (MSME), Mirzapur, and Project Officer at UPNEDA, noted that rising electricity costs pose a significant challenge for Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). By adopting rooftop solar, MSME units can reduce their operational costs and enhance their competitiveness. He assured units interested in adopting solar power of all possible support from the District Industries Centre.
He added that the agency would continue to provide necessary support to beneficiaries and vendors at the district level. He urged citizens to apply only through the official portal and registered vendors.
Delivering a presentation on the topic “PM Surya Ghar: Free Electricity Scheme – District Implementation and Opportunities,” the UPNEDA Nodal Officer explained the application process, subsidy structure, and installation procedure. He highlighted that rooftop solar not only reduces electricity expenses but also offers the potential for financial gain through surplus power generation. He reported that over 10,000 rooftop solar panels have already been installed in Mirzapur district, with more than 800 additional installations currently underway.
During the financial session of the program, Anand Kumar Jha, Lead District Manager of Indian Bank, stated that the bank is prepared to provide financial assistance to eligible applicants for rooftop solar installations. He advised customers requiring loans to contact their nearest bank branch with the necessary documents.
Pankaj Kumar, Conference Co-convener for UPEX 2026, remarked that the objective of these district-level programs is to bring beneficiaries, vendors, banks, and the electricity department onto a common platform. He emphasized that the coordinated efforts of all stakeholders could accelerate the reach of rooftop solar to every household. During the open house session, participants raised questions regarding subsidies, bank financing, the application process, and timelines for solar installation. Officials answered the queries and assured their support in resolving implementation-related issues.
The organizers stated that these district-level outreach programs are also part of the preparations for the Uttar Pradesh Energy Expo (UPEX) 2026 – Varanasi Edition. The expo is scheduled to be held from December 4 to 6 at the Deendayal Hastkala Sankul in Varanasi. Discussions at the event will cover topics such as solar EPC, vendor training under ‘Suryagurukul’, grid modernization, energy storage, PM-KUSUM, electric mobility, and clean energy solutions for institutions and MSMEs.
At the conclusion of the program, Shailendra Srivastava, Senior Resident Officer of the PHDCCI Uttar Pradesh State Chapter, expressed gratitude to the district administration, UPNEDA, banks, solar vendors, and all participants for their cooperation. He stated that such awareness programs would continue in the Purvanchal region to ensure the benefits of solar energy reach the maximum number of families. The next district-level program in the series will be held in Ghazipur on October 15.
