- 5,525 Solar Panels Installed in the District So Far; District Magistrate Anupam Shukla Emphasizes Better Coordination Among Departments, Banks, and Solar Vendors
- UP Energy Expo to be Held in Varanasi from December 4–6
Ghazipur. The district administration has intensified efforts to ensure the effective implementation of the ‘Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana’ (Prime Minister’s Solar Home: Free Electricity Scheme) and to expand the reach of rooftop solar installations. In this regard, a district-level awareness and dialogue program was held on Thursday at the Collectorate auditorium. Organized by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) and Firstview, in collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA), the event focused on expanding the scheme’s reach, providing financial assistance to eligible families, and ensuring the high-quality installation of solar systems.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Guest, District Magistrate Anupam Shukla (IAS), stated that effective coordination between government departments, banks, and solar vendors is essential for the success of the PM Surya Ghar Yojana. He emphasized that eligible families must receive timely financial assistance, proper guidance, and access to high-quality solar systems so that as many people as possible can benefit from the scheme. He noted that 5,025 rooftop solar panels have already been installed in the district, with a target set to reach 8,673 installations by the end of the year.
Chief Development Officer Alok Prasad (IAS) highlighted the need to translate awareness about the scheme into active participation at the grassroots level. Meanwhile, District Development Officer Rajan Rai stressed the importance of conducting continuous awareness campaigns at the block and village levels to ensure that eligible families are well-informed about the application process and the benefits of the scheme.
Rajdev Kumar, Lead District Manager for Union Bank of India, stated that providing clear information regarding loans, required documentation, and banking procedures would make it easier for beneficiaries to install rooftop solar systems. Officials from UPNEDA (Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency) explained various aspects of the scheme—including the application process, subsidy structure, and implementation—highlighting rooftop solar as an effective means to adopt clean energy and reduce reliance on conventional electricity.
A Senior Manager (Sales & Marketing) from KEI Industries Ltd., based in Varanasi, emphasized that the quality of solar systems, the use of reliable equipment, and proper installation procedures are crucial for building consumer trust.
Pankaj Kumar, Conference Co-convener for UPEX 2026, noted that such events provide a common platform for government agencies, financial institutions, industry representatives, and beneficiaries, facilitating the identification of practical challenges and the exploration of solutions.
During the event’s open-house session, participants raised questions regarding subsidy disbursement, bank loans, and the time required for solar system installation. Relevant officials addressed these queries and discussed the challenges encountered during the implementation of the scheme.
The organizers stated that these district-level awareness programs are part of the preparations for the Varanasi edition of the Uttar Pradesh Energy Expo (UPEX) 2026. The expo is scheduled to be held from December 4 to 6, 2026, at the Deen Dayal Hastkala Sankul in Varanasi. It will cover topics such as solar EPC, vendor training under ‘Surya Gurukul,’ grid modernization, energy storage, the PM-Kusum scheme, electric mobility, and clean energy solutions tailored for institutions and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
The event conveyed a clear message: through public awareness, simplified financial processes, high-quality solar installations, and inter-departmental coordination, the ‘PM Surya Ghar’ scheme can be effectively extended to the masses, while also accelerating Ghazipur’s transition toward clean energy.
In his concluding remarks, Shailendra Srivastava, Senior Resident Officer of the PHDCCI Uttar Pradesh State Chapter, expressed his gratitude to the district administration, UPNEDA, banking institutions, industry representatives, and all the participants.
