PM Modi launches 'Muft Bijli Yojana', beneficiaries to save Rs 18,000 on electricity bills; here's how to avail

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday launched the ‘Muft Bijli Yojana’ in an effort to boost sustainable development and ensure the well-being of people by offering free electricity.

The central government has allocated a budget of Rs 75,000 crores for the project that aims to illuminate every household by providing up to 300 units of free electricity every month.

To familiarise the scheme among Indians, the government will incentivise Urban Local Bodies and Panchayats to promote the installation of rooftop solar systems in their jurisdiction, the prime minister said.

The government will also ensure that there is no cost burden on the common man by dispersing subsidies directly to the beneficiary’s bank account and heavily concessional bank loan. Also, all stakeholders will be integrated into a National Online Portal which will further convenience.

In order to further sustainable development and people’s wellbeing, we are launching the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. This project, with an investment of over Rs. 75,000 crores, aims to light up 1 crore households by providing up to 300 units of free electricity every month.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 13, 2024

What is Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana?

On the inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on 22 January, PM Modi said that the central government plans to light households across the country through solar rooftop installations.

He requested people to join the campaign in large numbers to encourage residents to install rooftop solar panels in their households.

“Immediately after his visit to Ayodhya on the auspicious occasion of consecration of Suryawanshi Bhagwan Shri Ram, Prime Minister chaired a meeting to launch ‘Pradhanmantri Suryodaya Yojana’,” a press release dated 22 January said.

The government aims to install rooftop solar systems on 1 crore houses.

How will ‘Muft Bijli Yojna’ benefit people?

The scheme, under the flagship of Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana, is expected to help users save up to Rs 15,000 to 18,000 every year.

The scheme will also open Entrepreneurship opportunities for a large number of vendors for supply and installation.

It will also give employment opportunities to youth with technical skills in manufacturing, installation and maintenance.

How to apply

Register in the portal with the following

• Select your State & Electricity Distribution Company
• Enter your Electricity Consumer Number, Mobile Number & Email
• Login with Consumer Number & Mobile Number
• Apply for the Rooftop Solar as per the form
• Once you get the feasibility approval, get the plant installed by any of the registered vendors in your DISCOM
• Once installation is completed, submit the plant details and apply for a net meter
• A commissioning certificate will be generated from the portal, after the installation of the net meter and inspection by DISCOM
• Once you get the commissioning report. Submit the bank account details and a cancelled cheque through the portal. You will receive your subsidy in your bank account within 30 days