ADC Kargil inaugurates Seva Setu Camp on PM Surya Ghar Scheme

KARGIL: Additional Deputy Commissioner Kargil Ghulam Mohammad inaugurated a two-day Seva Setu Abhiyan awareness camp on the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana at the Syed Mehdi Memorial Auditorium Hall on Sunday, with officials and solar vendors briefing residents on rooftop solar installation, subsidies and application procedures.

The camp, being held on October 19 and 20, aims to familiarise residents with the scheme’s benefits, technical requirements and installation process.

The inauguration was attended by Superintending Engineer Wajihat Mir, Executive Engineer Feroz Wani, Assistant Engineers Syed Mohammad and Syed Mudashir of the Electricity and Power Development Corporation (EPD), and J&K Bank Main Branch Manager Abass, besides other officials, solar vendor representatives and members of the public.

During the camp, the dignitaries visited stalls set up by solar vendors and interacted with their representatives. The vendors explained the benefits of rooftop solar systems, application procedures, technical requirements, and the steps involved in installation and commissioning.

Participants were informed that financial assistance is available under the PM Surya Ghar scheme through the Central Government and the Union Territory administration. According to information shared at the camp, against an indicative system cost of ₹1,90,800, a subsidy of around ₹1,35,800 may be available, subject to applicable norms and eligibility conditions. Vendors also clarified that inverter and battery provisions may differ according to the vendor and package.

The vendors explained that rooftop solar systems primarily generate electricity and help reduce power bills rather than serve as backup power systems. They also briefed participants on how electricity generated by installed systems, including those in the 3–5 kW range, is used and accounted for under applicable billing and net-metering provisions.

The issue of smart meters was also raised during the discussions. Vendors said the absence of smart meters in some urban areas was creating difficulties in rooftop solar installations. The matter was discussed with the concerned officials for resolution.

J&K Bank Main Branch Manager Abass interacted with participants and addressed their queries and grievances concerning banking procedures and financial assistance under the scheme.