Jaipur: Union Energy Minister Prahlad Joshi has advised the states to reconsider providing free electricity. In the regional review meeting on renewable energy organized by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy in Jaipur on Tuesday, Joshi said "Many states of the country are providing free electricity. I am not speaking on any particular state, but this system is not good in the long run. We should try that instead of providing free electricity, enable the consumers to not only have affordable electricity for their home but can also meet the needs of the country by supplying the surplus electricity to the grid.”
Endorsing the use of solar energy, minister said that PM Suryaghar Yojana of the central government is a boon for the states that provide free electricity. Some states are giving free electricity for political reasons. However, this is creating a huge economic burden. PM Surya Ghar Yojana is a great solution to stop this.
“If the state governments giving free electricity dare to give their subsidy budget to the PM Suryaghar Yojana, the consumers will be free from the hassle of electricity bills for the next 25 years and at the same time, the financial burden of the annual free electricity subsidy of the state governments will also end,” said Joshi.
Under the visionary leadership of Hon'ble PM Shri @narendramodi ji, India is setting global benchmarks as a fast-growing economy.
— Pralhad Joshi (@JoshiPralhad) January 21, 2025
Renewable energy is not just a goal—it’s the backbone of our sustainable and prosperous future.@mnreindia pic.twitter.com/qofNbdu0Js
Talking about India's efforts to scale up renewable energy, Joshi said, "our efforts to scale up renewable infrastructure are like the story of a man planting mango trees for the benefit of future generations. Just as the man sows today for the prosperity of tomorrow, these initiatives are investments in a sustainable future.
He reiterated that India is rightly positioned in its RE capacity and will definitely achieve and overtake its 500 GW target by 2030.
Chairing a full-day workshop and review session in Jaipur, Rajasthan, to hold deliberation on advancing the renewable energy sector in India's Northern region. The workshop is being co-chaired by CM Shri @BhajanlalBjp ji, and MoS Shri @shripadynaik ji. It is attended by several… pic.twitter.com/oFHjqORpkq
— Pralhad Joshi (@JoshiPralhad) January 21, 2025
Elaborating the purpose of regional meetings, Joshi said that soon, every country will have a framework that supports decarbonization and promotes clean energy, and India does not want to miss the opportunity to strengthen our position in the renewable energy sector. This is why we are holding these meetings in different corners of the country.
“PM Modi always emphasizes the importance of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas. He believes that we must collaborate closely with state governments because if any state falls behind, the entire country will face setbacks,” said Joshi.
The minister said that the demand of Power in our country will be doubled in coming years. Renewable energy must play a more significant role in our energy mix to support this transformation. As we are set to become the 3rd largest economy in the world, we must focus on improving infrastructure.