The Government, as per Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy, Shripad Yesso Naik, is dedicated to ensuring inclusive development and reaching welfare scheme benefits to the grassroots level. Naik, during an interaction with beneficiaries of government schemes, highlighted the success of the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN). These beneficiaries have been invited to the Republic Day celebrations this year, showcasing the Government’s emphasis on inclusive growth under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
“Out of around 1.43 lakh identified households, nearly 1.36 lakh homes have been electrified, achieving about 95 per cent progress,” Naik mentioned. The success in electrification has been a result of collaborative efforts between the Ministry of Power, State Governments, and electricity distribution companies, the minister explained. Naik also discussed the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyaan (DA-JGUA), initiated in October 2024 to extend development benefits to Scheduled Tribe habitations.
Under the DA-JGUA scheme, a central grant of Rs 4,203 crore has been sanctioned to electrify over 2.83 lakh households and more than 4,200 public places, Naik informed. Approximately 56,000 households have already been provided with electricity connections, he added. Special relaxations in cost norms have been implemented to ensure coverage of even the most remote and previously unconnected villages, Naik noted.
Naik highlighted the impact of the PM-KUSUM scheme, the world’s largest program for solarizing agriculture, which has seen the installation of 10.4 gigawatts of solar capacity and deployment of over 21.7 lakh solar pumps nationwide. The initiatives under this scheme have benefited more than 21 lakh farmers by reducing diesel dependency, cutting input costs, and lowering carbon emissions, he emphasized. The Minister briefly mentioned the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, which aids households in adopting rooftop solar power, reducing electricity bills, and moving towards energy self-sufficiency.
A total of 249 beneficiaries from 15 States have been invited to partake in this year’s Republic Day celebrations, kicking off with a three-day program in New Delhi.
