SRINAGAR: Satish Sharma, Jammu and Kashmir’s Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA), Transport, and Renewable Energy, has called for an extension of solarisation programmes and increased support for renewable energy projects in the Union Territory.
During a meeting with Union Minister for Food and Public Distribution and New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, in New Delhi, Sharma emphasised the need to extend the Jammu Solarisation Scheme by two years. The scheme has already benefited nearly 50,000 households, and Sharma proposed its expansion to cover hospitals in border areas, emergency trauma centres, and more remote locations.
The Minister also requested the inclusion of 20 additional villages (one per district) under the Model Village Scheme, with each village receiving ₹1 crore for maximum solarisation. He further sought the sanctioning of 4,000 additional agricultural pumps under the PM KUSUM Yojana to benefit farmers.
Sharma pressed for the establishment of large-scale solar power plants in high-irradiance regions of J&K, financial support for rooftop solar installations across government buildings and educational institutions, and the creation of solar parks under the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI). He urged for the augmentation of the ongoing PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana across the Union Territory.
The Minister advocated for micro and mini hydroelectric plants in rural and hilly areas, particularly in districts like Poonch, Rajouri, Doda, Kishtwar, Kupwara, and Bandipora. He proposed hybrid renewable energy projects (solar + wind or solar + hydro) in favourable locations, along with pilot projects integrating energy storage solutions for off-grid and remote villages.
Sharma also highlighted the need for solar micro-grids, standalone solar systems, and expanded distribution of solar lanterns under the Remote Village Electrification Programme. He proposed establishing a Centre of Excellence for Renewable Energy in J&K to drive research, innovation, and capacity building in renewable energy technologies.
The Minister suggested hosting a national summit on solarisation in Srinagar, titled AREIAS, as a unique initiative to boost renewable energy discussions and collaborations.
Sharma raised issues related to Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs, requesting the release of Rs 73 crore to address a deficit caused by the free distribution of ration under the PMGKY for 30 months. He also sought a special package to increase the ration volume distributed under state-sponsored schemes.
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi assured Sharma of prompt action, stating that all demands and proposals would be considered for implementation.
