Over the past few days, alarming reports have emerged from Anantnag, Kulgam and Shopian: government employees and ordinary citizens claim they are being pushed—some even threatened—to install solar systems under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. While the scheme itself is an important national initiative aimed at making India a global clean-energy leader, the method of implementation in Jammu & Kashmir raises serious concern.
The solar programme launched in February 2024 aims to provide up to 300 units of free electricity every month to households that install rooftop systems. The Union Government has allocated ₹75,000 crore, with subsidies covering up to 60% of system cost for a 2-kW setup. Across India, the target is one crore rooftop installations.
There is no doubt that the initiative is visionary. J&K, which faces chronic transmission losses and a widening supply-demand gap, stands to benefit significantly. The region’s power deficit touches 15–18% during peak seasons, while aggregate technical and commercial losses have historically hovered around 40%—one of the highest in the country. Shifting households to solar could reduce pressure on the grid and save crores in power purchases.
But the strength of any public scheme lies in trust, not threats. Reports of employees being told, “If you don’t install, your salary will stop,” or “your promotion will be withheld” are not only unethical but legally untenable. The PM Surya Ghar scheme is voluntary, not mandatory. No government department or official has the authority to coerce citizens into private financial decisions—whether bank-financed or subsidised.
Before pushing households to adopt solar systems, JKPDCL must answer hard questions:
Why have power cuts increased despite soaring tariffs?
Why are transmission upgrades progressing slowly?
And if the department failed for decades to ensure reliable electricity, why resort now to fear-based persuasion instead of transparent awareness campaigns?
Solar adoption should be encouraged through facts, benefits, and incentives—not intimidation. Jammu & Kashmir needs clean energy, yes. But it also needs clean governance.
