Patna: Bihar’s government has launched a new initiative under the Kutir Jyoti Yojana, offering free rooftop solar panels to below-poverty-line (BPL) households. The scheme provides 1.1 kVA solar units at no cost to eligible families, with the state electricity department covering the installation expenses. Beneficiaries will be responsible only for the maintenance and cleaning of the panels.
Shashikant Kumar, Executive Engineer of the Bhubua electricity division in Kaimur, said the programme is designed to ease the electricity burden on poor households while encouraging renewable energy adoption. Consent from consumers has already been sought for the installation of the panels.
Eligible households must have a permanent rooftop of at least 64 square feet that is free from shade. Each solar unit consists of two panels, and there is no financial charge for recipients. The initiative also aims to replace traditional kerosene lamps and earthen lamps, which previously posed both health risks and additional household costs.
Applications can be submitted via the Suvidha App by entering the consumer number and verifying it through an OTP sent to the registered mobile number. Applicants must also provide address proof and a BPL or other eligibility certificate, along with photographs of the rooftop. For those without smartphones, assistance is available at divisional offices’ Suvidha counters or Vasudha centres free of charge. Officials have urged applicants not to wait until the February 28 deadline.
