PM-KUSUM Scheme: Telangana Pushes For Solar Connections
- PM-KUSUM scheme drives solar power for farmers and homes
- PM-KUSUM scheme faces challenges on lease land and funding
Hyderabad: Telangana is actively pursuing solar power expansion under the PM-KUSUM scheme to provide green energy for agriculture and domestic use, Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka said. He added that the state is ready to bear farmers’ share to ensure the programme reaches the grassroots.
The Deputy Chief Minister explained that although the Central Government launched PM-KUSUM nearly a decade ago, the previous Telangana government failed to implement it due to negligence. “The scheme was not implemented in Telangana because the earlier government did not submit proposals,” he said. Bhatti Vikramarka added that the Centre now claims funds are currently not available since the state did not utilise the scheme at the time.
Meanwhile, the state government is in constant touch with the Centre to secure maximum allocations. Bhatti Vikramarka said Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and he personally met the Union Minister for Power, submitted written representations, and requested the Centre to allocate unutilised quotas from other states to Telangana. The move aims to expand solar connections and promote renewable energy adoption across the state.
On agriculture, key steps have been taken to encourage a solar revolution. Self-Help Group (SHG) women members are allowed to form groups and establish solar projects. They can also lease farmers’ lands to set up these projects. However, Bhatti Vikramarka noted that the Centre clarified PM-KUSUM applies only to farmers cultivating their own land. This restriction has become an obstacle, as the state seeks to relax the lease-related condition while ensuring income ultimately benefits farmers.
He further stated that the state is willing to cover farmers’ contributions. As Telangana already provides quality free electricity, interest among farmers for solar adoption is currently limited. Therefore, the government is promoting awareness programmes and motivating farmers to adopt solar systems. Bhatti Vikramarka emphasized that these steps are aimed at long-term green energy generation and sustainable income for farming communities.
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