The Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Yojana, consumers can immediately start saving money with the help of central subsidies and a 7% concessional loan. Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, and New & Renewable Energy, Shri Pralhad Joshi, visited Agartala on December 28-29, 2024, and participated in various programs during his visit.
The minister highlighted that 27 SPV pumps have been installed on 54 acres of land under the PM-KUSUM scheme, along with 35 LED-based SPV street lighting systems under MNRE initiatives. These measures have ensured dual cropping and double income for farmers. Additionally, the Government of India has recently approved a Private Enterprise Guarantee (PEG) scheme to enhance storage capacity in northeastern states.
As part of this initiative, FCI in Tripura will add 70,000 metric tons of additional storage capacity within two years. Shri Joshi also emphasized that India currently provides free food grains to 810 million people under the PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, a figure double the population of the European Union. The scheme, which distributes rice, wheat, and coarse grains free of cost, has been extended until December 31, 2028.
Over the past five years, Tripura procured 1.2 lakh metric tons of rice worth ₹360 crore through a decentralized procurement model, benefitting around 94,000 farmers. Recently, the central government expanded the supply of fortified rice (enriched with iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12) under schemes such as the PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, ICDS, and PM POSHAN from July 2024 to December 2028. In 2023-24 alone, 1.75 lakh metric tons of fortified rice were distributed across Tripura under various welfare schemes.
The One Nation, One Ration Card scheme has been implemented across all 36 states and union territories, benefiting migrant workers. Under the scheme, 18.74 million portability transactions have been recorded, and all ration cards are now linked with Aadhaar, preventing leakage. The central government has provided ₹3.65 crore in financial assistance to Tripura under this initiative. Additionally, ₹40 lakh was released in 2023-24 to spread awareness about consumer rights.
Affordable Electricity for Households: highlighting achievements in renewable energy, Shri Joshi mentioned that India has reached a significant milestone with a total renewable energy capacity of 214 GW. The country is on track to achieve 500 GW by 2030 through initiatives like the National Green Hydrogen Mission, PM-KUSUM, PM Surya Ghar Yojana, and PLI schemes for solar PV modules. He also noted that in Tripura, domestic electricity is available at ₹5 per unit. With MNRE subsidies and 7% concessional loans, consumers can start saving money immediately.
Read more... New PM Surya Ghar Scheme, Get a subsidy of up to ₹78,000, learn how
