Mokokchung launches Seva Setu Abhiyan to promote rooftop solar scheme

Mokokchung, October 14 (MExN): The Seva Setu Abhiyan under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana was inaugurated by SDO (Civil), Mokokchung, Ajay Moktan at the DC’s Office Complex, Mokokchung, on October 14.Addressing the occasion, Moktan highlighted the benefits of residential rooftop solar (RTS) installations in generating electricity for household consumption and reducing power bills. He said the scheme provides subsidies from the Central and State governments, under which 70–80% of the total installation cost could be reimbursed directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts.He informed that more than 26 RTS vendors were empanelled across the State, with installation rates varying according to the capacity of the systems installed. Beneficiaries can choose vendors of their preference, who undertake the installation and provide free maintenance for up to five years. Citizens can also avail themselves of bank loans for installing rooftop solar systems, he said.Highlighting the State’s rising energy consumption, Moktan encouraged citizens to adopt solar energy and urged participants to spread awareness about the scheme. He further informed that the deadline for availing the subsidy was March 31, 2027.During the programme, beneficiaries shared their experiences of installing rooftop solar systems. Asung Jamir, a resident of Mokokchung, said he installed the system in July, following which his monthly electricity bill dropped from Rs 1,700 to Rs 230. He added that the installation took only one and a half days and that he received the subsidy within two months.Another beneficiary shared that installing a rooftop solar system had significantly reduced household gas consumption and firewood use, enabling her to use an induction cooktop powered by solar energy, the State DIPR reported. Executive Engineer, Electrical Division, Mokokchung, Er Chutsusie Thowachu, in his brief address, said energy demand had increased with population growth and the expanding use of machinery. He observed that conventional sources, including thermal and hydropower, faced growing challenges in meeting the rising demand, prompting the government to promote solar energy as an alternative.He clarified that rooftop solar installations under the scheme were currently available for domestic use and not for commercial purposes. He informed that vendors, including M/s Smart Tech and Native Enterprises, would be available to assist with registration and other requirements at the DC’s Office Complex from October 14 to 16, between 10 am and 2 pm.Thowachu urged citizens to visit the camp and avail themselves of the scheme’s benefits.