MNRE Amends Guidelines for Awareness and Outreach Component Under PM Surya Ghar Yojana

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued an amendment to the guidelines for the implementation of the Awareness and Outreach component under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana.

The changes primarily clarify the composition of the Awareness and Outreach Committee and the participation of representatives from different divisions and implementing agencies.

According to the revised clause, the Representative of the I&PA Division, MNRE (Director/DS or equivalent) will now be a standing member of the committee. Further, representatives from State Implementing Agencies (SIAs) and concerned Central Ministries or Departments will be invited as special invitees when their respective proposals for awareness and outreach activities are under consideration. This change replaces the earlier format that separately mentioned SIAs and ministries as fixed representatives.

The amendment follows the broader operational guidelines issued on July 19, 2024, for the Awareness and Outreach component of the scheme. The guidelines outline the framework for planning, executing, and monitoring information campaigns aimed at promoting rooftop solar adoption among residential consumers.

Launched on February 29, 2024, the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana seeks to accelerate rooftop solar installations across one crore households, with a total outlay of INR 75,021 crore until FY 2026–27. Of this, INR 657 crore (1 percent of the total) has been earmarked for awareness and outreach activities.

Under the scheme, both National Programme Implementing Agency (NPIA) and State Implementing Agencies are responsible for planning and executing awareness drives. Activities will include social media and TV campaigns, radio jingles, nukkad nataks, door-to-door campaigns, and other outreach efforts conducted through platforms such as Common Service Centres (CSCs), post offices, and local institutions.

The MNRE has emphasised adherence to the Central Bureau of Communication (CBC) and National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) norms for media rates and publicity materials. All awareness activities will use standardized branding under the PM Surya Ghar scheme, and any co-branding will require prior approval from the Ministry.

The updated provisions are expected to streamline inter-agency coordination and ensure consistent, high-impact communication to boost the adoption of rooftop solar systems across India.