Asks states to be proactive to get maximum benefit under the schemes

Over 20 lakh households have got rooftop solar systems installed across the country under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, and very soon another 30 lakh will be added, New & Renewable Energy Minister Pralhad Joshi said on Thursday.

The minister, however, did not give any specific time frame for achieving the halfway mark of the target to install rooftop solar equipment for one crore beneficiaries under the scheme across the country.

Addressing the inaugural of the states' review meeting of the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and PM-KUSUM schemes, Joshi said, "Now (rooftop installation at) 20 lakh (households) is completed and very shortly we will be adding another 30 lakh. Overall, our target is one crore households (under the scheme)." He further informed that he has approved a utility-led model for all those people who don't have a roof over their heads.

"Some states have planned to do it (install rooftop solar) at a very fast pace. One of such states is Andhra Pradesh. The Chief Minister had also met me and given me the presentation. Some of the states had sent us a demand to implement this utility-led model. We have approved it," he added.

He also stated that the scheme is demand-driven and the benefits will be provided on a first-come, first-serve basis.