Agartala, February 07, 2025: Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath emphasized the need for increased awareness about the PM-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (PM-SGMBY) while addressing a camp organized at the 79 Tilla area in Agartala city on Friday. Aimed at encouraging residential solar panel installations, the scheme has so far received a moderate response across Tripura, with around 12,000 registrations, the majority being from Agartala.

“The response has not been as high as expected, but people are gradually showing interest,” the Minister said, adding, “Our target is to reach at least 50,000 registrations under this scheme.” To boost participation, awareness camps are being held across the state, particularly in the Agartala Municipal Corporation area. Representatives from various vendors and banks attended the camp, guiding consumers on installation, financing options, and benefits. Officials from Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL) were also present to assist in the registration process.

Minister Nath explained that the PM-SGMBY aims to make households self-reliant in power generation. “A 1 kW solar panel system, costing Rs 65,000 to Rs 75,000, will be made affordable through a government subsidy of up to Rs 33,000. The subsidy increases to Rs 66,000 for 2 kW systems and Rs 85,800 for 3 kW systems. This scheme not only ensures energy self-sufficiency but also allows consumers to sell surplus electricity to the grid, creating an opportunity for income generation,” he elaborated.

Highlighting the importance of spreading awareness, he said, “Perhaps many people have not fully understood the benefits of the scheme. However, public representatives, MLAs, and department officials are working diligently to educate them.”

The event was attended by local leaders, including corporators Pradip Chanda, Lata Nath, and Biswajit Roy, who urged residents to take advantage of the initiative.