MNRE Clarifies Nomination Process for PM-Surya Ghar DLCs

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued a clarification regarding the nomination of non-official members to the District Level Committees (DLCs) responsible for overseeing the PM-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.

In its latest Office Memorandum (OM), the MNRE addressed representations received from various states concerning the nomination of these members. The OM explicitly states that the chairperson of each DLC will nominate the three non-official members, clarifying the process and superseding previous communications on the matter, specifically referencing OM No. dated 29.05.2024 and 05.07.2024.

The Ministry advises that these non-official members should ideally be experts in the field of renewable energy or individuals with proven experience in leading community mobilisation efforts for the PM-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSG:MBY). This composition aims to enhance the effectiveness of the DLCs in implementing the scheme at the district level.

The Yojana, launched on February 29, 2024, with a budget of INR 75,021 crore, aims to install rooftop solar plants in one crore households nationwide.

It may be mentioned that MNRE had issued an initial OM on May 29, 2024, to clarify the operational guidelines for District Level Committees (DLCs). It stated that DLCs, crucial for district-level oversight, will be chaired by the District Magistrate/Collector and comprise various officials and experts, including representatives from Zila Parishad, DISCOMs, and Renewable Energy Development Agencies, along with elected local representatives and three non-official members nominated by the MNRE Mission Directorate.

While this initial OM outlined the DLC structure, concerns arose regarding the nomination of the three non-official members. To address these, the MNRE issued a follow-up clarification on July 5, 2024, stating that DLC meetings and operations could proceed even before these nominations were finalised, ensuring no delays in scheme implementation.

However, the recent clarification is intended to streamline the constitution and operation of the DLCs, ensuring the smooth and efficient rollout of the PM-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana across the country.