Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Energy, Additional Energy Sources and Urban Development Minister A.K. Sharma has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to ensuring that the benefits of the Prime Minister Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana reach every eligible household without delay. He directed all concerned departments, banks, and vendors to work in close coordination and remove bottlenecks hindering the implementation of the flagship solar energy scheme.
Chairing a review meeting on the PM Surya Ghar Yojana at the Circuit House Auditorium in Varanasi, Sharma conducted a detailed assessment of the scheme’s progress, achievements, and future roadmap. During the meeting, he interacted directly with vendors engaged in the programme across Varanasi district to understand challenges being faced at the grassroots level and instructed officials to resolve them promptly.
Emphasizing the need for efficient execution, the minister directed the electricity department to accelerate the installation of pre-configured smart meters and ensure that already installed meters are configured on a priority basis. He noted that unnecessary delays in technical procedures adversely affect the pace of implementation and should not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Sharma also issued clear instructions to bank officials to simplify and expedite the loan approval process under the scheme. He stressed that only essential documents should be sought from applicants and that no application should be rejected without valid justification. According to him, accessible and timely financial assistance is a key pillar of the programme’s success.
Highlighting Uttar Pradesh’s achievements in the renewable energy sector, the minister expressed satisfaction over the outstanding performance of the Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA), which secured a top national ranking in solar energy installations during April and May. He credited the achievement to the collective efforts of vendors, consumers, district administrations, and various government departments.
Sharma said the PM Surya Ghar Yojana is playing a transformative role in advancing clean and green energy across the state. He called upon all stakeholders to work with dedication and efficiency to achieve the goal of making Uttar Pradesh the number one state in the country under the scheme.
He noted that the initiative would not only help households reduce their electricity expenses but also strengthen environmental conservation efforts and enhance the state’s energy self-reliance. The minister further emphasized the importance of public participation and awareness campaigns to maximize the reach and impact of the programme.
During the meeting, Sharma felicitated several “Solar Didis” with certificates in recognition of their contribution to promoting solar energy adoption at the grassroots level. He also stressed the need for wider outreach and community engagement to accelerate the scheme’s implementation.
Among those present at the meeting were Cantonment MLA Saurabh Srivastava, Purvanchal Vidyut Vitaran Nigam Limited Managing Director Shambhu Kumar, Municipal Commissioner Himanshu Nagpal, senior officials of UPNEDA, chief engineers, superintending engineers, executive engineers, district coordinators of various banks, RECL representatives, project officers, and other concerned officials.
