The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has revised its program to electrify 100,000 households in particularly vulnerable tribal group (PVTG) areas. The electrification will take place through off-grid solar systems. The program will be implemented under the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN) and Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan (PM JUGA). It has an additional budget of Rs 9.15 billion now.
The revised program under PM JANMAN includes the provision of off-grid solar lighting in 1,500 multi-purpose centers (MPCs) in PVTG areas and the solarization of 2,000 public institutions, as approved under PM JUGA. These off-grid solar systems will only be deployed where grid electricity is not technologically and economically feasible. The financial outlay for this program will come from the MNRE’s Development Action Plan for Scheduled Tribes.
The year-wise fund allocation is designed to support the electrification of 100,000 unelectrified households in PVTG areas across 18 states and the Union Territories of Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Additionally, 1,500 MPCs in PVTG areas will receive solar lighting. The program approvals under PM JANMAN from the previous phase will continue and be integrated into the updated scheme.
