Bhubaneswar, July 8 (UDN): The Odisha Government has decided to integrate the PM-Surya Ghar Yojana with various state housing programmes, including the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana (PMAY), to make clean and affordable solar power more accessible to households across the state.
Deputy Chief Minister and Energy Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo announced the initiative during a high-level review meeting focused on power sector reforms, safety measures, and the implementation of government schemes.
Under the proposed plan, beneficiaries of housing schemes will be provided an option to install rooftop solar systems under the PM-Surya Ghar scheme. The move aims to help households reduce electricity expenses while encouraging the wider adoption of renewable energy.
Singh Deo said the government’s objective is to ensure that families receiving benefits under PMAY and other housing schemes can also access solar power solutions. He added that linking housing programmes with rooftop solar initiatives would support the goal of providing cleaner and more affordable electricity to citizens.
As part of the rooftop solar initiative, urban beneficiaries will receive a subsidy of Rs 30,000 from the Centre and Rs 25,000 from the Odisha Government for the installation of a 1 KW solar system. The beneficiary contribution for the installation has been fixed at Rs 1,875.
The government also announced a major power infrastructure upgrade with a Rs 3,708 crore underground cabling project covering all four DISCOM areas in Odisha. The project is aimed at improving electricity safety, reducing risks associated with overhead lines, and strengthening the state’s power distribution network.
The review meeting was attended by senior government officials, including Housing and Urban Development Minister Dr Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Minister Rabi Narayan Naik, Additional Chief Secretary (Energy) Vishal Kumar Dev, OPTCL CMD Bhaskar Jyoti Sarma, and other senior officials.
The Energy Minister directed DISCOM authorities to prioritise safety measures, improve service reliability, and ensure timely execution of power sector projects across urban and rural areas.
The Odisha Government said the initiatives reflect its focus on expanding renewable energy, improving electricity infrastructure, and ensuring better power access for citizens.