KOHIMA, April 15: In a significant move towards renewable energy, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Monday launched the Nagaland Solar Mission aimed at promoting the installation of residential Roof Top Solar (RTS) systems in convergence with the ‘Prime Minister Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSG: MBY)’.
Addressing the PMSG: MBY launching program, Chief Minister Rio said that the Nagaland government has taken a major step to address power deficits faced across the state by launching this solar mission. He emphasized that to further support the green energy revolution, the state government has decided to extend additional support through a state subsidy of up to Rs 50,000 for installations up to 3 kW, provided through budgetary support.
He highlighted that this additional support would greatly help in realizing the Government of India’s target under PMSG: MBY to install one crore Roof Top Solar systems on a mission mode by 2026-27. Rio noted that the combined subsidies from both the state and the Central government would cover most of the cost for households opting for solar installations.
He further added that apart from installation benefits, the power generated and supplied to the grid would help households reduce electricity bills. The Chief Minister urged the citizens of Nagaland to seize this opportunity and reap the benefits of the transition to sustainable solar power production.
Minister of Power and Parliamentary Affairs, K. G. Kenye, echoed the Chief Minister’s sentiments. In his speech, he said that with the additional state subsidy, access to rooftop solar installations would become more affordable, and he anticipated a positive response from the public. He expressed confidence that the initiative would help mitigate chronic power shortages in the state and usher in socio-economic development for Nagaland’s citizens.
The event also featured an overview of the project presented by Asangla Imti, Secretary of the Power Department. This was followed by a detailed PowerPoint presentation by department officials.
The Power Department informed that 247 applications have already been received online from citizens eager to avail of the scheme. To facilitate smooth implementation and installation, 55 national and state vendors are currently available in Nagaland.
This initiative marks a major step forward in the state’s journey towards a green and sustainable energy future, encouraging public participation and laying the groundwork for a robust solar infrastructure.
