Patna: Bihar has stepped up its efforts to accelerate the implementation of the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, with Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit directing officials to fast-track beneficiary verification, rooftop solar installations and loan approvals during a statewide review meeting held via video conference on Sunday.
According to the state government, the meeting reviewed progress under both the scheme’s Utility-Led Aggregation (ULA) model and the standard implementation model, with a focus on achieving Bihar’s target of completing the programme by November.
Focus on ULA Model Beneficiaries
Reviewing progress under the ULA model, the Chief Secretary instructed officials to complete the verification of eligible Kutir Jyoti consumers at the earliest so that more households could be brought under the scheme.
He directed electricity distribution companies to intensify inspections and take all necessary measures to accelerate the installation of rooftop solar systems. Implementing agencies were also asked to ensure the uninterrupted availability of equipment and other materials required for the installations.
According to officials, the aim is to maintain the pace of implementation while meeting quality standards.
District Magistrates Asked to Address Loan Delays
The meeting also examined progress under the scheme’s normal implementation model, where beneficiaries typically apply for rooftop solar systems with financial assistance.
The Chief Secretary instructed all District Magistrates to hold regular review meetings with banks to resolve issues related to delayed loan approvals and the rejection of eligible applications. Officials said unnecessary delays in financing could affect the pace of installations if not addressed promptly.
He also directed field engineers to actively monitor projects and asked random inspection teams to carry out on-site quality checks to ensure installations are completed on time and in accordance with technical standards.
Distribution Companies Report Progress
Rahul Kumar, Managing Director of North Bihar Power Distribution Company Limited (NBPDCL), informed the meeting that district-wise monitoring of the scheme is underway and that the installation of mounting structures for rooftop solar systems has already begun in several areas.
According to Kumar, the utility is monitoring implementation and quality from its headquarters to track progress across districts.
Saurav Jorwal, Managing Director of South Bihar Power Distribution Company Limited (SBPDCL), also attended the review meeting along with District Magistrates and senior officials from the concerned departments.
What’s Next
The state government is expected to continue district-level monitoring over the coming months as Bihar works towards its November deadline for implementing the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. Officials said beneficiary verification, financing and installation work will remain key priorities in the next phase of the rollout.
