Odisha’s Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, who also heads the Energy Department, has confirmed that the state will not be providing 300 units of free electricity to households — a promise that many expected the government to fulfill.
He made this statement in the Odisha Assembly, responding to a question raised by BJD MLA Sarada Prasad Nayak. This clarification comes amid criticism from opposition parties, who accused the BJP of breaking its election promise of offering 300 units of free electricity to consumers.
What’s the Alternative? – Solar Power Through PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana
Instead of providing free electricity, the Deputy CM highlighted a more sustainable solution: encouraging people to generate their own electricity through rooftop solar panels under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana — a central government initiative.
Here’s what the scheme offers:
- Central Government Subsidy: ₹78,000
- State Government Support: ₹60,000
- Total Subsidy: ₹1.38 lakh
- Applies to rooftop solar systems of up to 3 kilowatts (kW).
This setup can help a family generate around 300 units of electricity per month, which matches the free power many were expecting — but now it’s self-generated and sustainable.
Government’s Solar Push – Investment and Impact
The Odisha government is taking this solar initiative seriously. Here’s what they’re doing:
- Budget Allocated: ₹1,800 crore
- Timeline: Spread over three years (2024–25 to 2026–27)
- Applications Received: 97,128 so far
- Solar Panels Installed: Completed in 3,124 homes as of now
The Deputy CM pointed out that wider use of solar energy will:
- Reduce dependence on the state electricity supply
- Help tackle power shortages and load shedding
- Give households energy independence in the long run
While there won’t be free electricity handouts, the government is promoting a smarter, cleaner solution through solar energy. With generous subsidies and long-term savings, the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana could be a win-win both for consumers and for the environment.
