Last week, the Indian government approved a new solar power scheme to help Tribal and Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) communities.
This plan will be implemented under two key initiatives: PM JANMAN (Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan) and PM JUGA (Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan).
The target is to provide electricity to one lakh households (HHs) that currently do not have a power supply. The government plans to use solar energy to electrify these households, 1500 Multi-Purpose Centres (MPCs) in PVTG areas, and 2000 public institutions in tribal areas located in regions where connecting to the main electricity grid is difficult or too expensive.
There are three key parts of this solar power scheme:
- Household Electrification: A 0.3 kW solar power system will be provided to one lakh tribal and PVTG households. Each system will cost Rs. 50,000, and the total cost for this part of the project is Rs. 500 crore. This will be implemented between the financial years 2023-24 and 2025-26.
- Solar Lighting for Community Centers: Solar street lights will be installed in 1500 multi-purpose centers (MPCs) in PVTG areas. This project will cost Rs. 15 crores, with Rs. 1 lakh allocated per center. It will also be completed by 2025-26.
- Solar Power for Public Institutions: Around 2000 public institutions, such as schools or health centers, will receive solar systems. Rs. 1 lakh will be provided for each kW of power, and the total financial outlay for this part is Rs. 400 crore. This project is scheduled to be completed by 2028-29.
The total cost of the project is Rs. 915 crore, with funds provided by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. The goal is to provide power to areas without reliable electricity and improve the quality of life for tribal communities.
This initiative is expected to benefit thousands of tribal families and institutions, helping them access clean and affordable energy.
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