Homeowners in Kolkata can now avail of a central subsidy scheme to install rooftop solar panels. The state government on Monday rolled out the Centre's PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, which provides financial subsidies to domestic consumers for installing grid-connected rooftop solar power systems. This is one of several central schemes that had been kept in abeyance by the previous Trinamool Congress government, leading Delhi to reportedly withhold the release of funds under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), amounting to over Rs 2,000 crore since August 2024.
Eligibility and Benefits
Domestic consumers of the West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (WBSEDCL) are now eligible for financial benefits under the PM Surya Ghar scheme. Launched in 2024 with an investment of over Rs 75,000 crore, the scheme aims to light up 1 crore households by providing up to 300 units of free electricity every month. Previously, only consumers under the Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation (CESC) were receiving subsidies under this scheme. Although the previous state government did not object to the scheme for CESC consumers, the benefit was not extended to WBSEDCL consumers.
Previous State Scheme: Aloshree
In response to the withholding of central grants, the previous state government launched its own subsidy scheme, Aloshree, late last year. A fund of Rs 20 crore was allocated for this scheme, and a little over a thousand domestic consumers applied. Under both the Aloshree and PM Surya Ghar schemes, the subsidy structure is identical. Domestic consumers receive Rs 30,000 for a 1 KW rooftop solar system, Rs 60,000 for systems up to 2 KW, and Rs 78,000 for systems of 3 KW or above.
Transition to Central Scheme
Sources in the power sector said fresh applications under the Aloshree scheme were halted soon after the election results, while work has already begun to integrate WBSEDCL's system with the central scheme form. Consumers who already applied under the Aloshree scheme and whose applications remain pending have expressed concern. However, WBSEDCL officials have assured that all pending applications will automatically be shifted to the PM Surya Ghar scheme once it is formally implemented.
This move is expected to accelerate the adoption of solar energy in the state, reducing electricity bills for households and contributing to the national goal of sustainable energy.
