Question 98 from UPSC CSE 2025 - Current Affairs (Governm ent Schemes)

Question

Consider the following statements about 'PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana':
I. It targets installation of one crore solar rooftop panels in the residential sector.
II. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy aims to impart training on installation, operation, maintenance and repairs of solar rooftop systems at grassroots levels.
III. It aims to create more than three lakh skilled manpower through fresh skilling and upâskilling under the scheme component of capacity building.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: D. I, II, and III

Strategy: Identify the core aims and operational details the question tests. Statement I cites the flagship target—one crore rooftop panels—a prominent feature of the scheme. Statement II focuses on capacity building through MNRE-led training at grassroots, integral for such national rollouts. Statement III quantifies skill development (three lakh manpower, including fresh skilling and up-skilling), which aligns with official scheme documents. All statements accurately reflect the scheme's primary goals and components, so all are correct.

Key Info: PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is a flagship initiative of the Government of India launched in February 2024 to promote rooftop solar installations for residential households nationwide. The scheme aims to install solar rooftop systems in one crore (10 million) households by March 2027 and provide up to 300 units of free electricity per month to beneficiaries. The scheme is implemented by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and is supported by a central outlay of over Rs 75,000 crore.

**Key Components:**
- Installation Goal: Target of one crore households for rooftop solar, making it one of the world's largest residential solar initiatives.
- Financial Support: Provides substantial capital subsidy directly to the consumer's account, covering a significant portion of installation costs.
- Discom Incentives: Distribution companies (DISCOMs) receive incentives to promote scheme adoption and facilitate installations.
- Training and Capacity Building: MNRE coordinates comprehensive training, including installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of solar rooftop systems. Training is imparted at grassroots levels, serving both local technicians and community members.
- Skill Development: The scheme includes a dedicated component for fresh skilling and up-skilling, aiming to create over three lakh (300,000) skilled personnel nationwide. Out of this, at least 1,00,000 are to be trained as Solar PV Technicians, ensuring a qualified workforce. Capacity building efforts extend to DISCOMs, State Renewable Energy Development Agencies (REDAs), financial institutions, and relevant state and central entities.

**Broader Context:**
- The scheme advances India's renewable energy and clean energy targets, aiming to enhance self-sufficiency and reduce household power bills.
- Capacity building and skill development align with the broader Skill India Mission and focus on inclusive, distributed economic opportunities.
- The scheme also supports digital and administrative streamlining—including a national portal for applications and updates, as well as simplified processes for approval and installation.

Answer

Option A: I and II only

Answer

Option B: I and III only

Answer

Option C: II and III only