MNRE launches Rs 515-cr Solar Scheme for Electrification of Houses in PVTG Areas

Current Context: The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has launched a new solar power scheme for the electrification of houses in Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) areas on 9th January 2024.

• Here are the key details:
• The scheme targets the electrification of 100,000 un-electrified households in tribal areas by providing off-grid solar solutions free of cost.
• The solutions will be installed in areas where electricity supply through the grid is not techno-economically feasible.
• The scheme will be implemented under Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN).
• The areas will be identified by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, in 18 States and the union territory of Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
• The scheme also includes a provision for providing solar lighting in 1500 multi-purpose centres (MPCs) in PVTG areas where electricity through the grid is not available.
• The overall approved financial outlay of the scheme is INR 515 crore. The year-wise fund allocation is INR 20 crore in 2023-24, INR 255 crore in 2024-25, and INR 240 crore in 2025-26.
• The scheme will be implemented by the respective electric utility/Discom in the PVTG area.

Question:

Q.1 Under which campaign will the new solar power scheme be implemented?
a. Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan
b. Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana
c. Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana
d. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana