PM Modi launched the Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana

Current Context: The ‘Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana’ was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 23, 2024. The announcement was made in a meeting at his residence at Lok Kalyan Marg.

• This scheme was the first decision he took after returning from Ayodhya.
• Here are some key points about the scheme:
• Aim: The scheme aims to equip one crore poor to middle-class households with rooftop solar panels. This is intended to provide electricity from solar energy.
• Benefits: The scheme would not only reduce the electricity bill of the poor and middle class but would also make India self-reliant in the energy sector.
• Implementation: PM Modi has urged the officials to start a massive national campaign to mobilize residential segment consumers to adopt rooftop solar in large numbers.
• Current Status: As of December 2023, India’s total installed solar capacity stands at around 73.31 GW. However, rooftop solar accounts for only around 11.08 GW out of this.
• Challenges: Regulations, financing frameworks, and lack of consumer awareness have been some key challenges. Sustained policy support and innovative business models will be needed to enable widescale adoption of rooftop solar across Indian households.
• This scheme is a visionary initiative aimed at harnessing solar energy and predominantly benefiting poor and middle-class households.

Question:

Q.1 What is the aim of the ‘Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana’?
a. To equip one crore rich households with rooftop solar panels
b. To equip one crore poor to middle-class households with rooftop solar panels
c. To equip one crore businesses with rooftop solar panels
d. None of the above