Solarisation Mission in J&K

Jammu and Kashmir’s push towards rooftop solar energy is a timely and practical move. For a region that often faces pressure on power supply and rising electricity demand, solar energy offers a real solution. The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and the solarization of government buildings are not just about putting panels on rooftops. They are about helping families reduce bills, making public institutions more energy-efficient and moving the Union Territory towards a cleaner and more self-reliant power future.

The progress so far is encouraging. Jammu and Kashmir has set a target of covering 83,500 residential consumers under the scheme, with 39,500 consumers under JPDCL and 44,000 under KPDCL. As on July 7, 2026, rooftop solar systems have already been installed for 37,138 residential consumers, creating a total installed capacity of 133.40 MW. These households have received Central Financial Assistance of Rs 291.38 crore, while the Union Territory has provided an additional subsidy of Rs 10.50 crore. This financial support has made solar power more affordable and has encouraged more people to come forward. For an ordinary household, rooftop solar is not a distant environmental idea. It is about saving money every month. When families generate part of their own electricity, their dependence on regular power supply is reduced and their bills come down. But this benefit will reach people fully only when installations are completed on time, smart meters are fitted quickly and net metering works smoothly. Consumers should not be made to wait because of slow paperwork, delayed inspections or poor coordination between departments and vendors.This is why the direction to complete installations for nearly 57,000 beneficiaries, whose vendor agreements have already been executed, is important. Once a consumer has completed the formalities, the system must respond quickly. Delay at this stage creates frustration and weakens public confidence. If the government wants citizens to trust the scheme, delivery must be fast, transparent and dependable. The solarization of government buildings is another major part of this clean energy mission. Jammu and Kashmir has identified 22,494 government buildings for rooftop solar coverage. Out of these, 8,131 buildings have already been solarized, which comes to 36.14 per cent coverage. This has placed Jammu and Kashmir at the third position among States and Union Territories in the number of government buildings solarized. It is a strong achievement, but it should also become a reason to move faster. Under the CAPEX mode, solar systems have been installed on 3,338 government buildings, with a total capacity of 46.30 MW, against the planned 65 MW capacity covering 5,500 buildings. Material has already been supplied for 1,462 more buildings, while material for another 800 buildings is on the way. These figures show that work is moving, but the real focus now must be on completion. Solar panels must not remain part of files, stores or supply records. They must be installed, connected and used. The RESCO model also offers a useful way to expand solar power without placing the full immediate financial burden on the government. Under this model, 175 MW rooftop solar capacity has been planned for nearly 8,000 government buildings. Work orders have already been issued for 1,360 buildings, with tariffs ranging from Rs 4.19 to Rs 5.27 per unit. These rates can help public institutions save money and shift towards cleaner energy, provided the projects are completed honestly and on schedule. The focus on monthly targets, district-wise monitoring and smart metering is the right way forward. Solar projects cannot succeed if departments work in isolation. DISCOMs, JAKEDA, district administrations, vendors and technical teams must work like one system. If one part delays, the entire chain slows down. Smart metering must also move along with solar installation because without proper metering, energy generation, consumption and savings cannot be measured correctly. Districts such as Kupwara and Shopian, which have shown good performance, deserve appreciation. Their work can encourage healthy competition among other districts. At the same time, districts that are moving slowly must be helped, monitored and made accountable. Clean energy cannot be achieved through announcements alone. It needs daily follow-up, field work and problem-solving.

Jammu and Kashmir needs cheaper, cleaner and more reliable electricity. Rooftop solar can help achieve all three. The schemes already have targets, subsidies, technical support and public interest. What is needed now is speed and discipline. Pending installations must be completed, subsidies should reach beneficiaries smoothly, smart meters must be installed on time and every solar asset must become functional. Rooftop solar is not only about renewable energy. It is about lower bills, stronger public institutions and a more secure energy future for Jammu and Kashmir.