Gangyal Industries Urge PDD to Keep Solar Installation Voluntary, Seek Higher Subsidy
Association of Industries Gangyal Warns Compulsory Solar Move May Burden Local Industry
- Association of Industries (Regd.) Gangyal, Jammu urges Power Development Department to Reconsider Mandatory Installation of Solar Systems
Jammu, 05-10-2026: An Extraordinary General Body Meeting of the Association of Industries (Regd.) Gangyal, Jammu was held under the chairmanship of its President, Sh. Virendra Jain, and was attended by a large number of members and representatives of industrial units.
The members stated that the proposal has caused considerable concern among the industrial fraternity, particularly at a time when the industry is already facing several financial and operational challenges. They pointed out that the power position in Jammu is presently comfortable and, therefore, industrial units should not be compelled to make additional investments in solar systems without a clear and compelling requirement.
The members further observed that such a mandatory requirement would impose an additional financial burden on industrial units, many of which have already made substantial investments in their businesses. They also pointed out that there is no such blanket requirement for industrial units in many other places and urged the authorities to adopt a practical and industry-friendly approach.
The members apprehended that making installation of solar systems compulsory could adversely affect the already stressed industrial sector of Jammu and may be perceived as an additional regulatory burden.
The members strongly emphasized that solar power should be promoted through incentives rather than compulsion. Any industrial unit which voluntarily wishes to install a solar power system should be encouraged and supported by the Government through a substantially higher rate of incentive/subsidy, so that the investment becomes economically viable and attractive.
Sh. Virendra Jain said that the Association fully supports the Government’s objective of promoting renewable energy and reducing dependence on conventional sources of power. However, promotion should be through attractive incentives and voluntary participation rather than making solar installation compulsory.
The Association of Industries therefore unanimously urged the Government and the Power Development Department to:
1. Withdraw the proposal to make installation of solar systems compulsory for industrial units.
2. Keep solar installation voluntary for industrial units.
3. Provide a higher and more attractive rate of incentive/subsidy to units that voluntarily install
solar power systems.
Sh. Virendra Jain, President requested Hon’ble Lt. Governor Sh. Manoj Sinha, Hon’ble Chief Minister Sh. Omar Abdulla, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister Sh. Surinder Choudhary to issue necessary instructions to the concerned authority to refrain from taking any drastic step that may adversely affect the viability and growth of local industries.
The meeting was attended among others by the office bearers of the Association S/Sh. Ashok Jain, Sr. Vice President, Ajay Kumar Mahajan, Vice President, Sanjay Langar, General Secretary, Jatinder Singh, Secretary, Vishal Gupta, Treasurer, Sh. Balbir Gupta, Sh. R.P. Shastri, Sh. R.P. Sethi former presidents and large number of unit members.
