Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Jan 8: Minister for FCS&CA, Transport, Youth Services and Sports, Information Technology, Science and Technology, ARI & Training, Satish Sharma, met with Union Minister for Food and Public Distribution, New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Venkatesh Joshi, to engage in an in-depth discussion regarding matters related to consumer affairs, public distribution, and renewable energy.
During the meeting, the Minister addressed several public interest issues, including the extension of the Jammu Solarisation Scheme for an additional two years, which has successfully benefited nearly 50,000 households. He emphasized the need for support in solarising all hospitals located in border areas for national interests, as well as upgrading emergency and trauma centers in accident-prone regions.
Additionally, he advocated for the inclusion of 20 villages (one from each district) in the Model Village Scheme, proposing a grant of one crore rupees for each village to maximize solarisation efforts. Sharma also urged for the approval of 4,000 more agricultural pumps under the PM KUSUM Yojana to support farmers.
Regarding the development of solar power infrastructure, the Minister called for the establishment of large-scale solar power plants in regions of J&K with high solar irradiance. He sought financial and technical assistance for the enhancement and implementation of rooftop solar installations across government buildings, educational institutions, and residential areas under the Grid-Connected Rooftop Solar Program. Furthermore, he requested the establishment of solar parks by the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), particularly in the arid and barren lands of J&K, along with the enhancement of the ongoing PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojna throughout the region.
Satish Sharma also proposed the establishment and promotion of micro and mini hydroelectric plants in rural and hilly areas across all districts of J&K, as well as the development of decentralized hydel projects to address the energy needs of remote villages, especially in districts such as Poonch, Rajouri, Doda, Kishtwar, Kupwara, and Bandipora. He suggested the implementation of hybrid renewable energy projects (combining solar with wind or hydro) in areas of J&K where conditions are favorable.
Furthermore, the Minister addressed several concerns related to Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs. He informed the Union Minister about the distribution of free additional rations for 30 months under PMGKY, which resulted in a deficit of 73 crore rupees, and he requested the release of that amount. He also urged the Government to utilize savings from PMGKY/Tide over to fund state-sponsored schemes and asked for a special package to increase the volume of rations distributed to the public.
The Union Minister expressed his willingness to listen to the demands and assured that all points would be taken into consideration for prompt action.
