Bhagalpur: An awareness-cum-loan camp has been organised in Bhagalpur to promote rooftop solar installations under the Centre’s PM Surya Ghar-Muft Bijli Yojana, aimed at encouraging households to generate electricity through solar energy and reduce their power bills.The camp was inaugurated by energy minister Shailesh Kumar Mandal here on Tuesday in the presence of beneficiaries, bank officials, energy department officials and representatives of solar equipment providers.Stalls set up by solar equipment providers, banks and the energy department, along with a helpdesk, are providing information on rooftop solar systems, financing options and potential savings on electricity bills after installation.According to an energy department official, 111 consumers registered for rooftop solar installations at the camp, while several hundred others made inquiries about the scheme. Bank loans for five consumers were approved and the funds were credited to their accounts on Tuesday, the official said. Officials also helped applicants resolve technical issues related to loan applications.The PM Surya Ghar-Muft Bijli Yojana is a central govt initiative aimed at promoting rooftop solar installations in households. Under the scheme, eligible households can avail themselves of central financial assistance towards the cost of installing rooftop solar systems.Mandal said solar energy was an environment-friendly way of generating electricity and could help households reduce their power expenses. The scheme would enable beneficiaries to generate electricity for their own consumption and lower their monthly bills, he said.Bhagalpur DM Alankrita Pandey said the initiative would encourage the adoption of clean and renewable energy while supporting sustainable development and reducing carbon emissions.Pranav Kumar Mishra, assistant electrical engineer, SBPDCL, said consumers who had achieved zero electricity bills through rooftop solar installations under the scheme were being felicitated. He said the camp had received a good response from consumers.
