Nellore Minister Embraces Solar Power for Sustainable Energy
Gottipati Ravi Kumar promotes PM Surya Ghar program, aiming to boost solar power in Andhra Pradesh. The initiative involves subsidies for SCs, BCs, and OCs, along with health clinics and tree planting campaigns.
Highlights
- •PM Surya Ghar scheme: Promoting widespread adoption of solar energy.
- •Subsidies: ₹98,000 for BCs; ₹78,000 for OCs towards 3 KW plants.
- •6 lakh connections for SCs and STs secured by the program.
- •Initiation of health clinics and Bhavans as part of comprehensive village development.
Nellore: Energy minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar recently unveiled the ambitious PM Surya Ghar program in Andhra Pradesh, aiming to harness solar power as a sustainable solution for the state's energy challenges. While touring Addanki constituency in Prakasam district, the minister launched the scheme at Bandivaripalem and inaugurated 3 crore rupees worth of BT road construction from Bandivaripalem to KG Road.
Emphasizing Solar Energy's Role
Gottipati highlighted that global conflicts often lead to shortages and price hikes in fuel, thereby underlining the critical importance of efficient use of solar power. The efforts within PM Surya Ghar are designed to support a decentralized, reliable energy system where solar energy can be harnessed most effectively.
Governments have allocated one crore connections nationwide through this scheme, and chief minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has secured 20 lakh solar connections for Andhra Pradesh alone. The allocation includes six lakh connections specifically targeted at Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), with free solar plants up to 2 KW provided for SC beneficiaries.
Subsidies as high as ₹98,000 for socially backward classes (BCs) and ₹78,000 for other castes (OCs) are also being offered towards the cost of a 3 KW plant. These initiatives underscore a multi-tiered approach to ensure widespread adoption while keeping solar energy accessible across different socio-economic strata.
Gottipati further encouraged citizens to enhance their environmental footprint by planting more trees and reduce rising temperatures. As part of these efforts, he inaugurated a health clinic at Minnekallu village costing ₹18 lakh and another Pragathi Bhavan in Chavitipalem supported by Jana Chaitanya Housing Cooperative Society.
Notably, the coalition government has restored benefits to widows and single women who had been previously denied pensions. Plans are ongoing to evaluate the state's financial position for issuing new pensions and housing support for eligible beneficiaries as well.
