Government Pushes Solar Power Expansion for PVTG Areas, Telangana Yet to Submit Proposals

In a significant update regarding the government's renewable energy initiatives, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) addressed the Rajya Sabha on the expansion of solar power schemes for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) in the country.

The query was raised by Ravi Chandra Vaddiraju, seeking clarity on whether the Ministry plans to expand its solar schemes in these underserved regions, particularly in Telangana, beyond the current financial outlay, and whether timelines and benchmarks have been established for such efforts.

Responding to the question, the Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy and Power, Shripad Yesso Naik, highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts under the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN) and Dharti Aabha Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DA JGUA). These schemes focus on electrifying remote tribal and PVTG areas identified by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) through off-grid solar solutions.

Naik explained that the program includes the electrification of one lakh un-electrified households, installation of solar lighting in 1,500 Multi-Purpose Centres (MPCs), and the solarisation of 2,000 public institutions. The off-grid solar systems are being deployed in areas where grid-based electricity is not techno-economically feasible. To date, 9,863 households across the country have been sanctioned off-grid solar systems, including 326 in Telangana. The Minister assured that sufficient capacity is available under the scheme to meet the energy needs of eligible households in the state and other regions.

A key component of the scheme involves the solarisation of 1,500 MPCs by the financial year 2025-26, with central financial assistance of INR 1 lakh allocated per centre. However,  Naik informed the House that the Ministry has not received any proposals from Telangana for the solarisation of its MPCs under this scheme. This presents a missed opportunity for the state to harness available resources to benefit its tribal communities.

While the current financial outlay is considered adequate for the program’s objectives, the Minister emphasised the importance of proactive participation from state governments to ensure timely implementation. He urged Telangana and other states to expedite their proposals, enabling the government to accelerate its mission of providing reliable energy access to PVTG areas.

This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to bridging the energy divide in some of India’s most remote and vulnerable communities, reaffirming its focus on sustainable and inclusive development.