PM-KUSUM SCHEME

Current Context: The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) scheme is a significant initiative by the Indian government aimed at promoting solar energy in the agricultural sector.

• Here are some key points about the scheme:
• Objective: To de-dieselize the farm sector and enhance farmers’ income by providing them with solar pumps and solar power plants.
• Components:
• Component A: Installation of grid-connected solar power plants up to 2 MW on barren/fallow land.
• Component B: Installation of standalone solar pumps.
• Component C: Solarization of existing grid-connected agricultural pumps.
• Subsidy: The central government provides a subsidy of up to 30% or 50% of the total cost for the installation of solar pumps and power plants.
• Achievements: As of June 2024, the scheme has sanctioned over 8,112 MW of solar capacity and installed 256.78 MW.

Question:

1 How much subsidy does the central government provide for the installation of solar pumps and power plants under the PM-KUSUM scheme?

• A) Up to 10%
• B) Up to 20%
• C) Up to 30% or 50%
• D) Up to 70%

Answer: C) The central government provides a subsidy of up to 30% or 50% of the total cost for the installation of solar pumps and power plants.