UPSC Prelims 2025Question 70Government Schemes

Consider the following statements about 'PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana':
I. It targets installation of one crore solar rooftop panels in the residential sector.
II. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy aims to impart training on installation, operation, maintenance and repairs of solar rooftop systems at grassroot levels.
III. It aims to create more than three lakhs skilled manpower through fresh skilling, and upskilling, under scheme component of capacity building.
Which of the statements given above are correct?

Options

(a)I and II only
(b)I and III only
(c)II and III only
(d)I, II and III

Correct answer: d

Decision rule

Where a scheme names capacity building as a component, its training and skilling targets belong to the scheme itself, not to separate programmes.

Explanation

Correct Answer:

(d) I, II and III

Explanation of the Correct Answer

The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana is a flagship initiative announced by the Government of India in 2024 to promote solar rooftop installations in residential sectors, ensure energy self-reliance, and generate employment.

Let us evaluate the statements:

Statement-wise Analysis

I. It targets installation of one crore solar rooftop panels in the residential sector.

Correct
The scheme explicitly sets a target of 1 crore households to be equipped with solar rooftop systems.
The aim is to provide up to 300 units of free electricity per month.

II. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy aims to impart training on installation, operation, maintenance and repairs of solar rooftop systems at grassroot levels.

Correct
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is responsible for capacity building under the scheme.
This includes training technicians and other stakeholders for installation, maintenance, and repairs of solar rooftop systems—especially at the local/grassroot level.

III. It aims to create more than three lakhs skilled manpower through fresh skilling, and upskilling, under scheme component of capacity building.

Correct
One of the core objectives is to generate more than 3 lakh skilled jobs through:
- Fresh skilling programs
- Upskilling of existing manpower
- Creating green employment opportunities in the renewable energy sector.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect

(a) I and II only – Incorrect: Omits correct Statement III.
(b) I and III only – Incorrect: Omits correct Statement II.
(c) II and III only – Incorrect: Omits correct Statement I.
(d) I, II and III – Correct: All three statements are factually accurate.

Relevant Supplementary Information

PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana – Snapshot

Component	Details
Launch Year	2024
Objective	Solarize 1 crore households with rooftop solar systems
Free Electricity Benefit	Up to 300 units per household per month
Implementing Ministry	Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)
Training Target	More than 3 lakh people to be skilled/upskilled
Target Audience	Residential households, especially low- and middle-income
Portal for Application	https://pmsuryaghar.gov.in
Budget Outlay	Approx. ₹75,000 crore
Installation Support	Central subsidy + low-interest collateral-free loans

Related Concepts or Facts

Green Jobs Initiative: The scheme contributes to India’s broader objective of building a green workforce and achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.
Skilling Focus Areas: Electricians, solar panel installers, maintenance technicians, local entrepreneurs.
Additional Benefits: Reduction in electricity bills, increased energy security, and grid stability.

Current Relevance

With rising energy demands and climate concerns, this scheme helps in:
- Promoting clean energy adoption in homes.
- Boosting employment in the solar energy ecosystem.
- Supporting India’s energy transition goals under Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

Table: Related Concepts and Initiatives

Concept / Initiative	Description / Relevance
Rooftop Solar Programme (Ph-II)	Launched by MNRE; predecessor to PM Surya Ghar Yojana; aimed at promoting rooftop solar.
National Solar Mission (NSM)	Launched in 2010; part of the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC); solar target.
Green Jobs	Employment generated through renewable energy sectors including installation and servicing.
Skilling India (Skill India Mission)	Umbrella initiative to promote vocational training across sectors including clean energy.
MNRE (Ministry of New & Renewable Energy)	Nodal ministry implementing solar rooftop initiatives.
DISCOMs	Distribution Companies; play a key role in net metering, subsidy disbursal, and approval.
Net Metering	Mechanism allowing consumers to feed excess solar electricity back into the grid.
Climate Goals (India’s NDCs)	India’s Nationally Determined Contributions aim for 500 GW non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.
International Solar Alliance (ISA)	India-led international platform promoting solar energy across member countries.
Green Energy Corridors	Infrastructure projects to integrate renewable energy into the national grid.

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