The Seva Setu Abhiyan under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana is being conducted from October 14 to 16 at the Secretariat junction, Kohima to promote rooftop solar installations and facilitate access to the benefits of the scheme.

Organised by the Department of Power, the three-day camp aims to create awareness and assist eligible residential households with registration, application procedures and installation guidance under the rooftop solar scheme. The camp also facilitates on-spot registration for eligible consumers.

The camp provides information on eligibility criteria, government subsidies, bank loan facilities and installation guidance. Consumers can also choose from 26 empanelled vendors across the State for rooftop solar installations under the scheme.

Principal Secretary, Power, Dr KD Vizo, ITS urged citizens to avail the benefits of solar energy, highlighting the central and state subsidies, banking facilities and potential savings on electricity costs.

He stated that solar energy could help the government reduce power purchase expenditure while enabling consumers to benefit from excess power generation. He also highlighted the availability of on-grid, off-grid and hybrid solar systems and stressed the need for greater public awareness to encourage wider adoption.

Vizo encouraged citizens to make use of the facilities and resources provided by the Government of India to promote solar energy.

Chief Engineer, D&R, Department of Power, Er Lobosang Jamir, informed that the initiative seeks to raise awareness and reduce dependence on grid power by promoting solar energy adoption.

He stated that consumers can avail subsidies upto ₹85,800 from the Government of India and ₹50,000 from the State Government, amounting to a total subsidy upto ₹1,35,800 for eligible installations. He encouraged consumers to take advantage of the scheme, which is available until March 2027, and visit the roadshow for on-the-spot registration and guidance.

The initiative seeks to encourage the adoption of clean energy, reduce household electricity expenses and make rooftop solar facilities more accessible to eligible residents.

Eligible residents have been encouraged to visit the camp and avail themselves of the assistance and information provided under the scheme.

CHÜMOUKEDIMA:

The inaugural programme of Seva Setu Abhiyan, held in convergence with PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, was observed at the DC’s Office, Chümoukedima on October 14.

Minister for PHED and Cooperation, Jacob Zhimomi, said the Abhiyan is being observed for three days across the country, with the aim of bringing government schemes and services closer to the people.

Speaking on the need for the scheme, the Minister said the State’s energy requirement has grown sharply with rapid urbanisation. To address the energy need, the central government has rolled out the scheme through the Power Department, he said.

The Minister described the scheme as a direct benefit to the public, delivered from the government to the beneficiary, and said it brings the administration into closer contact with citizens. He stressed that transparency and accountability must guide its implementation. He also cautioned that the vendors empanelled for the State should not compromise on the quality of their work.

Delivering the welcome address, Deputy Commissioner, Polan John said the time has come for the people of the State to think smart, and that solar energy offers a practical answer. He called on districts with the potential to harness solar power to make an early start, both to turn towards renewable resources and to ease the burden of monthly electricity bills.

Explaining the theme, he said Seva Setu literally means “service bridge” and in practice, stands for a link between the government and the public. The initiative, he said, reflects accessibility, responsibility and a citizen-centric approach, while also creating opportunities to build awareness and help people make informed decisions. He encouraged community and public leaders to spread the word and take up the scheme themselves.

Stressing the need for commitment, the DC said the success of the campaign would be measured not by the turnout at the programme but by the number of people who register. Active public participation is essential, he added, noting that the future is bright, renewable and begins now.

EE, Electrical Division, Chümoukedima, Er. Albert Ovung, said the programme was organised under the Nagaland Solar Mission and is meant to reach the people of Chümoukedima directly. He said substantial financial assistance is available from both the Centre and the State, and that the Government of Nagaland offers the highest subsidy in the country.

With demand for power rising, he said, the main idea is to shift towards renewable energy, and the schemes must be fully utilised. He urged every household in Chümoukedima to take the opportunity to generate its own electricity. He also informed that a single-window facilitation centre has been set up to make the application process easier.

The programme was chaired by EAC, Chumoukedima, Khriengunuo Theunuo and also featured testimonials from rooftop solar beneficiaries, and Er. Vikhozolie Nisa, SDO (Electrical), Chümoukedima, gave the vote of thanks.

DIMAPUR:

A Seva Setu Camp for awareness and facilitation under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSG: MBY) is being held at DC’s Office Complex, Purana Bazar, Dimapur, from October 14 to 16. The inaugural programme was held on October 14.

Executive Engineer, Electrical Division, Dimapur, Er Lhuvoyi in his introductory speech said the scheme aims to bridge the gap between government welfare schemes and citizens by creating awareness and facilitating access to available benefits.

He stated that the scheme has significant potential to reduce household electricity expenses through rooftop solar installations. He pointed out that while the national target was to cover one crore households, nearly 40% had been achieved, whereas Nagaland had achieved only around 5–6% against its target of 10,000 households, with approximately 500 households covered so far.

He explained that government subsidies could substantially reduce the initial installation cost and that households could recover their investment through electricity savings over time. He urged the participants to spread awareness about the scheme, stressing that many people remained unaware of its benefits. He also encouraged people to take advantage of the opportunity, install rooftop solar systems and move towards energy self-reliance.

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The Abhiyan was formally inaugurated by DC Dimapur, Dr Tinojongshi Chang, NCS.

In his address, Chang urged the public to avail themselves of the benefits under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, stating that the programme offered an opportunity to generate clean energy with financial assistance through subsidies from both the Central and State governments.

He expressed gratitude to the Government of India and the Government of Nagaland for introducing the scheme, and thanked banks and financial institutions for extending loans to beneficiaries. He encouraged the public to take advantage of the facilities, adding that vendors and bank representatives would be available at the camp to assist with on-the-spot registration.

He also informed that the subsidy benefits were available only until March and urged people not to delay or miss the opportunity. He said surplus electricity generated through the scheme could be fed back into the grid, contributing to the government’s power supply and benefiting the wider community. He appealed to public representatives to spread awareness about the scheme and ensure that more people in Dimapur benefited from the initiative.

The programme was chaired by Er Orenvungo S. Ovung, SDO (Electrical). It also featured short speeches by the beneficiaries of the PM Surya Ghar scheme, vendors and representatives from banks.

The Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana is a Central Government scheme launched in February 2024 to promote rooftop solar power among residential households. The scheme provides financial assistance to eligible households for installing rooftop solar systems, helping them reduce electricity bills and access clean energy.

The scheme aims to encourage the use of renewable energy, reduce dependence on conventional electricity and promote sustainable living.

The Seva Setu Camp provided information and assistance to eligible beneficiaries on the scheme’s eligibility criteria, application procedures, required documentation, rooftop solar installation and vendor-related matters. The camp aimed to facilitate access to the scheme and help households understand the process of availing its benefits.

LONGLENG:

The Electrical Department Longleng organised an awareness programme on Seva Setu Abhiyan, PM SURYA GHAR: MUFT BIJLI YOJANA on October 14 at DPDB Hall, Longleng.

E.E Temjensangba CTN, in his keynote address, briefed the house on the Rooftop Solar Scheme. He explained the importance and the benefits of generating one’s own electricity. He also explained shortly on the dynamics of excess generation during the day which is fed to the grid and this excess giving back to the consumer after sun down when the solar panels stop generating any electricity. He talked about the govt subsidies available to the customer.

Empanelled RTS Vendor (M/S Shan enterprises), Shilunaro Jamir, explained the process of applying for the Rooftop solar subsidy and the process of approval and installation. She further briefed the house on the timeline and order of the release of subsidy cash component to the beneficiary.

C Mhaden Yanthan, a representative of SBI bank, explained the process of subsidy claim which will not be done by the bank and that it has to be claimed by the individual from the portal.

He further detailed the house on the maximum limit on loan for Rooftop solar at 2 lakhs which will be for 3 kW Solar capacity. He also notified the house that the age limit for availing the loan is from 18 to 65 years of age and the maximum loan tenure of 10 years. Earlier the programme was chaired by SDO (E) Er Moichung Shambu Phom.

MOKOKCHUNG:

SDO (Civil), Mokokchung, Ajay Moktan, IAS inaugurated the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, Seva Setu Abhiyan at DC’s Office Compound, Mokokchung on October 14.

Speaking at the inaugural event, Moktan highlighted the benefits of Rooftop Solar (RTS), which generates free electricity at homes and reduces electricity bills. He stated that it is a central and state subsidies scheme under which 70-80% of the total cost is transferred back directly to the beneficiary’s bank account.

He informed that there are over 26 RTS Vendors empanelled in the state with slight variation in the rates according to the energy (kW) installed at homes. The installation is completely done by the RTS Vendors of the beneficiary’s choice and provides free maintenance for up to 5 years. Citizens can also avail loans for RTS installation, he said.

Highlighting the state’s rising energy consumption, he urged citizens to go for naturally produced solar energy. He also urged the participants to spread awareness among the people. He further informed that the last date for subsidy beneficiary is due at March 31, 2027.

During the event, the beneficiaries who have installed RTS at home shared their testimonies. According to one beneficiary, Asung Jamir, a resident of Mokokchung, stated that he installed RTS in the month of July, following which, his monthly electricity bill has reduced from Rs 1700 to Rs 230. He said that the installation process took only one and half day and received his subsidy within 2 months.

According to another beneficiary, since the installation of RTS, the gas consumption and burning of firewood was reduced to a great extent at home as she further said, she can now easily use induction with solar power.

Executive Engineer, Mokokchung, Electrical Division, Er Chutsusie Thowachu in his brief speech said, the demand for energy has risen with population growth and expanding use of machinery. He observed that conventional sources, including thermal and hydro energy were facing growing challenges in meeting the raising demand, for which the government has promoted solar energy as an alternative.

He informed that the RTS installation is currently provided only for domestic use and not for commercial purposes. He further said the citizens of the Mokokchung district that, the Vendors including M/s Smart Tech and Native Enterprises are available for registration and necessary assistance will be available at DC’s Office Complex, Mokokchung from October 14 to 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Therefore, he has requested the citizens to visit the camp and avail the benefits provided.