CM Sai launches Rs 1.85 crore subsidy transfer, flags off ‘Surya Rath’ to promote solar energy

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Monday, underscored the State’s commitment to clean and renewable energy while launching a major awareness campaign under the PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme.

At a function held at Pt Deendayal Upadhyay Auditorium, the Chief Minister flagged off the ‘Surya Rath’, a specially designed vehicle to spread awareness about solar energy and its benefits, and transferred Rs 1.85 crore of State subsidy directly into the bank accounts of 618 consumers, each receiving Rs 30,000.

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Addressing the gathering, CM Sai said that solar power consumers are now emerging not only as energy producers but also as active contributors to the energy grid. He emphasised that the scheme represents a major step towards making electricity free for households, building on earlier relief measures that halved power bills. “It is our good fortune that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set the goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070. Chhattisgarh is contributing with full dedication and capacity,” he remarked.

The Chief Minister explained that subsidies from both Central and State Governments, supported by easy bank financing, are making solar adoption affordable. He also highlighted the distribution of Letters of Award under the PM KUSUM Yojana, enabling farmers and households to generate, consume, and even sell solar power.

Recalling the success of the Saubhagya Yojana launched in 2014, he noted that while 18,000 villages were then in darkness, today electricity has reached every village.

Pointing to the state’s growing role in the national energy sector, CM Sai said Chhattisgarh’s power generation has grown from 1,400 MW in 2000 to 30,000 MW today, with electricity being supplied to neighbouring states. Under the new Industrial Policy, MoUs worth Rs 3.5 lakh crore have already been signed in the energy sector, which will further boost capacity.

The programme also witnessed student participation, with Class 12 student Pratham Soni from Rajnandgaon sharing his perspective on solar energy. The Chief Minister released two publications—‘Impact of Distributed Renewable Energy on Grid Stability’ and ‘Agrivoltaics Performer Handbook’—and felicitated outstanding vendors for their role in implementing the scheme.

CM Sai expressed confidence that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chhattisgarh will soon emerge as the country’s leading power-producing state. He appealed to citizens to adopt solar energy in large numbers and actively contribute to the national clean energy mission.