Odisha to Link PM Surya Ghar Yojana with State Housing Schemes

The Odisha government has decided to integrate the PM Surya Ghar Yojana with state housing schemes, including the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), to expand access to rooftop solar systems and provide clean, affordable electricity to households.

The announcement was made by Deputy Chief Minister KV Singh Deo while chairing a high level meeting on power sector reforms, safety measures and implementation of central and state schemes. He said the initiative aims to ensure that beneficiaries of PMAY and other housing schemes can also avail the benefits of rooftop solar, although participation will remain optional.

Under the scheme, beneficiaries installing a 1 kW rooftop solar system in urban areas will receive a subsidy of INR 30,000 from the Central government and INR 25,000 from the Odisha government. Beneficiaries will be required to contribute INR 1,875 towards the installation cost.

The meeting also reviewed a proposal to invest INR 3,708 crore in laying underground power cables across all four power distribution companies (DISCOMs) to replace overhead electricity lines.

Singh Deo directed the DISCOMs to improve public safety by shifting low hanging power lines, replacing bare conductors with insulated conductors, installing fencing around distribution substations, constructing boundary walls and providing cradle or guard wires for low tension line protection. He also instructed officials to prepare a comprehensive detailed project report focused on safety improvements across the state's distribution network.

Reiterating the government's commitment to providing safe, reliable and sustainable electricity, Singh Deo asked officials to ensure timely execution of all power safety and infrastructure projects. The meeting was attended by Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Minister Rabi Narayan Naik, Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, and senior officials from various departments.