- Discusses Enhancements in Renewable Energy, Solar Initiatives, and PDS in J&K
NEW DELHI, Jan 8: Satish Sharma, the Minister for FCS&CA, Transport, Youth Services and Sports, Information Technology, Science and Technology, ARI & Training, met with Union Minister Pralhad Venkatesh Joshi for Food and Public Distribution, New and Renewable Energy, in New Delhi. They engaged in extensive discussions regarding consumer affairs, public distribution, and renewable energy.
During the meeting, Sharma addressed key public issues, such as the extension of the Jammu Solarisation Scheme for an additional two years, which has already benefited nearly 50,000 households. He emphasized the need for solarizing all hospitals in border regions for national security and enhancing solar infrastructure at emergency/trauma centers situated in accident-prone areas.
The Minister also proposed increasing the model villages under a new scheme from 20 to 40, granting one crore rupees for each village to maximize solarization, as well as sanctioning 4,000 more agricultural pumps under the PM KUSUM Yojana to support farmers.
To advance Solar Power Infrastructure, he urged the establishment of large-scale solar power plants in high solar irradiance areas in J&K and requested financial and technical aid for the rooftop solar installations at government buildings, educational institutions, and residential areas as part of the Grid-Connected Rooftop Solar Program. Additionally, he recommended creating Solar Parks under the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), particularly in the arid regions of J&K, and increasing the scope of the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojna throughout J&K.
Sharma reiterated the necessity for promoting micro and mini hydroelectric plants in remote and hilly districts, pushing for decentralized hydropower projects to meet energy needs in villages, especially in Poonch, Rajouri, Doda, Kishtwar, Kupwara, and Bandipora. He also suggested establishing Hybrid Renewable Energy Projects (solar + wind or solar + hydro) in suitable conditions throughout J&K.
Furthermore, the Minister sought assistance for pilot projects integrating hybrid energy systems with storage solutions to ensure reliable power supply and improve energy access in off-grid areas. He highlighted the importance of developing solar micro-grids, standalone solar systems in border and off-grid villages, and expanding the distribution of solar lanterns and home systems under the Remote Village Electrification (RVE) program.
Sharma advocated for the establishment of a Center of Excellence for Renewable Energy in J&K to promote research, innovation, and skills development in solar and hydro technologies. He emphasized the necessity for training initiatives to enhance local capability in renewable energy installation and maintenance and proposed a special financial package for renewable energy development in J&K under the Prime Minister’s Development Package, which aims to attract private investment in renewable energy projects.
He also suggested organizing a national summit (AREIAS) focused on solarization initiatives in Srinagar, a first-of-its-kind initiative.
The Minister affirmed the government’s commitment to sustainability and a green energy transition and called for collaboration to meet the renewable energy goals outlined in the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC). Additionally, he brought up various concerns regarding Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs, informing the Union Minister that a shortage of 73 crore rupees arose due to the distribution of free additional rations for 30 months under PMGKY and requested the release of those funds. He sought permission for the government to utilize savings under PMGKY/Tide to maintain state-sponsored schemes and requested a special package to increase the volume of ration distribution for the populace.
The Union Minister listened attentively to these demands and assured that he would consider all points for prompt action.
