PM Surya Ghar Scheme Rolled Out in NTR District, Soumya Backs SC ST Families

In a significant step towards promoting clean energy usage in rural areas and boosting the economic development of weaker sections, the government has launched the PM Surya Ghar scheme in Jujjuru of Veerulapadu mandal in NTR district. As part of the initiative, the process of installing grid-connected rooftop solar systems on the houses of SC and ST families was formally inaugurated.

Government Whip and Nandigama MLA Tangirala Soumya , who attended as the chief guest, inaugurated the solar panels along with coalition leaders and congratulated the beneficiaries.

Speaking on the occasion, Soumya asserted that supporting socially backward sections remains the primary objective of the government. She noted that while SC and ST families are currently being provided up to 200 units of free electricity per month , the solar project is being implemented as a permanent solution .

She revealed that the state aims to install 2 kW rooftop solar systems for around 1.91 lakh households . Under the APSPDCL jurisdiction, the scheme is expected to generate 382 MW of power , sufficient to meet the needs of approximately 4.53 lakh families .

The project is being supported financially by the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) , with the remaining cost borne by the state government. Officials estimate that this initiative will significantly reduce the subsidy burden on the government’s free power scheme, resulting in savings of around ₹6,200 crore to ₹6,900 crore over the project’s lifetime.

In addition to free electricity, beneficiaries will also earn supplementary income . Soumya stated that households installing rooftop solar panels will receive a monthly ‘roof rent’ of ₹150 to ₹200 . These systems will provide green energy for 25 years , with 2,000 beneficiaries in the constituency set to benefit in the first phase. Of these, 175 beneficiaries are from Kariveni Bakka village.

Officials further said that steps are being taken under the RDSS scheme to improve the quality of power supply. By separating agricultural and domestic power lines , issues such as low voltage will be resolved, ensuring reliable electricity for consumers.

Electricity department officials, local representatives, and villagers participated in the programme in large numbers.