Minister for FCS&CA, Transport, Youth Services and Sports, Information Technology, Science and Technology, ARI & Training, Satish Sharma, today called on Union Minister for Food and Public Distribution, New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Venkatesh Joshi, in New Delhi and had a detailed discussion on matters pertaining to consumer affairs, public distribution and renewal energy.
The Minister discussed various matters of public interest including extension of Jammu Solarisation Scheme for two more years under which almost 50 thousand households have already been covered, necessary assistance for solarisation of all hospitals falling in border areas in the national interest besides solarisation of emergency/trauma centres in accident prone areas.
He also requested to increase 20 villages (one in each district) under Model Village Scheme and award one crore rupees for each such village for maximum solarization, sanction of 4000 more agricultural pumps under PM KUSUM Yojana for the benefit of farmers.
Regarding development of Solar Power Infrastructure, the Minister urged for establishment of large scale Solar Power Plants in regions of J&K where solar irradiance is high, financial and technical assistance for augmentation/implementation of rooftop solar installations across government buildings, educational institutions and residential areas under the Grid-Connected Rooftop Solar Program, establishment of Solar Parks under Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) particularly in arid and barren lands of J&K, augmentation of ongoing PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojna across all parts of J&K.
Satish Sharma also demanded for establishment/promotion of micro and mini Hydroelectric Plants in rural/hilly areas across all districts of J&K, development of decentralized Hydel Projects to meet the energy needs of remote villages particularly in districts like Poonch, Rajouri, Doda, Kistwar, Kupwara, Bandipora, establishment of Hybrid Renewable Energy Projects (solar + wind or solar + hydro) in J&K where conditions are favourable.
The Minister further sought support for pilot projects integrating hybrid systems with energy storage solutions to ensure reliable power supply, energy access for remote areas with Off-Grid Solar Power Solutions besides development of solar micro-grids and standalone solar systems in off- grid and border villages, expansion of distribution of solar lanterns and home systems under the Remote Village Electrification (RVE) program.
The Minister stressed on establishment of a Center of Excellence for Renewable Energy in J&K to focus on research, innovation and capacity building in solar and hydro energy technologies besides training programs and workshops to enhance local capacity in renewable energy development and maintenance, introduction of a special financial package for renewable energy development in J&K under the Prime Minister's Development Package and support for innovative financing models to encourage private sector participation in renewable energy projects.
Satish Sharma also proposed to conduct a national summit (AREIAS) regarding solarisation in Srinagar which will be a unique initiative of its kind. Satish Sharma asserted that the government is focused on sustainability and green energy transition and insisted for collaboration to achieve the renewable energy targets set under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).
The Minister also raised several issues pertaining to Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs. He apprised the Union Minister that free additional ration was distributed for 30 months under PMGKY which caused deficit of 73 crore rupees and requested for release of same amount.
He asked him to allow the government to utilise savings under PMGKY/Tide over to run the state sponsored schemes. He also asked for special package so that government could increase the volume of ration to be distributed among the people. The Union Minister patiently heard the demands/issue and assured to consider all the points for prompt action.