The central government has set a target of installing rooftop solar systems for 2.7 lakh domestic consumers in West Bengal under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana over the next two years. Additionally, the Centre has directed the state government to install two crore smart meters across the state within the next three to four years.
Union Power Minister's Announcement
Union Power Minister Manohar Lal made these announcements on Saturday after a meeting with West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari in Kolkata. He stated, "We have asked the state government to install two crore smart meters, starting July this year in government offices, housing complexes, big consumers, and other consumers."
Progress on Smart Meter Installation
The West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Co Ltd (WBSEDCL) has already installed around seven lakh smart meters in government offices, large industrial and commercial establishments, and domestic households. The Centre will provide a grant of Rs 900 per smart meter, Lal added.
Chief Minister's Response
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said, "Work should be done under the PM Surya Ghar scheme, which could benefit people below the poverty line and those living in hill areas. A team from the state will go to Delhi. We will discuss and work together."
Implementation of PM Surya Ghar Scheme
The state government has already implemented the PM Surya Ghar scheme across West Bengal, which offers financial subsidies to domestic consumers for installing rooftop solar power systems. This scheme is one of several central initiatives that were not implemented by the previous Trinamool Congress government in the state.
A senior state government official confirmed, "The Centre has asked us to install rooftop solar systems for 2.7 lakh domestic consumers under the PM Surya Ghar scheme across Bengal in the next two years."
