TFP Bureau, Raipur, September 8, 2025: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Monday said that solar energy consumers in Chhattisgarh are no longer just meeting their own electricity needs but are emerging as contributors to the state’s power supply. He was speaking at the Solar Energy Awareness and Promotion Campaign held at Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Auditorium, Raipur.
On the occasion, CM Sai flagged off the ‘Surya Rath’, a mobile awareness campaign aimed at educating citizens about the benefits of solar energy and the provisions of the PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme. He also transferred ₹1.85 crore in state subsidies online to 618 beneficiaries, with each consumer receiving ₹30,000 directly into their accounts.
Highlighting the urgency of climate action, the Chief Minister said, “Climate change and pollution are global concerns. It is our good fortune that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has resolved to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2070, and Chhattisgarh is making its contribution with full dedication.” He added that the state is steadily moving from partial electricity bill relief to achieving free electricity through widespread solar adoption.
Sai underlined that both the Centre and the State are extending subsidies, while banks are offering financial support to make solar adoption easier. He assured that in the near future, households would enjoy the full benefit of free electricity. He also distributed Letters of Award to beneficiaries under the PM KUSUM Yojana, enabling consumers to produce their own power, sell excess electricity, and access energy at reduced costs.
Reflecting on past achievements, the Chief Minister recalled how the Saubhagya Yojana, launched in 2014, brought electricity to 18,000 unelectrified villages across India. “Today, every village has power, and now we are working towards a clean and green energy future,” he said.
He also noted that Chhattisgarh’s power generation capacity had grown from 1,400 MW in 2000 to 30,000 MW today, with surplus electricity being supplied to neighbouring states. With fresh MoUs worth ₹3.5 lakh crore signed under the state’s new industrial policy, Sai expressed confidence that Chhattisgarh would soon emerge as the leading power generator in the country.
During the programme, the Chief Minister released two publications — Impact of Distributed Renewable Energy on Grid Stability and the Agrivoltaics Performer Handbook, highlighting new approaches to integrating agriculture with solar energy. He also felicitated outstanding vendors who played a key role in implementing the PM Surya Ghar scheme.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, including Class 12 student Pratham Soni from Rajnandgaon, who spoke on the importance of solar energy. Senior officials including MLAs Motilal Sahu and Purandar Mishra, CREDA Chairman Bhupendra Savanni, Energy Secretary Dr. Rohit Yadav, CREDA CEO Rajesh Rana, Indian Solar Energy Federation President Suman Kumar, and heads of state power companies were present, along with a large number of solar energy consumers.
