PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana: Solar Power for All

 

Introduction

India is making rapid strides in renewable energy adoption, with the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana emerging as a key initiative to promote rooftop solar power. This scheme aims to provide free electricity to millions of households while reducing dependence on conventional power sources. Recently, it achieved a significant milestone of powering 10 lakh homes with rooftop solar energy, reinforcing India’s commitment to a sustainable future.

Achievements of PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana

1. 10 Lakh Solar-Powered Homes: As of March 10, 2025, the scheme has successfully enabled 10 lakh households to install rooftop solar panels, reducing their reliance on grid electricity.

2. Massive Public Response: Over 47 lakh households have applied for the scheme, indicating a strong shift towards solar energy adoption.

3. Subsidy Disbursement: The government has allocated ₹4,770 crore in subsidies, benefiting 13 lakh households through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.

4. Statewise Performance: Gujarat leads with 3.51 lakh installations (41.47%), followed by Uttar Pradesh (73,602) and Kerala (65,423), showcasing regional progress in solar adoption.

Key Benefits of PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana

1. Lower Electricity Bills: Households with solar installations generate their own power, significantly reducing monthly electricity expenses.

2. Reduced Government Expenditure: The scheme is projected to save the government ₹75,000 crore annually in power subsidies and procurement costs.

3. Environmental Impact: The scheme aims to cut CO₂ emissions by 720 million tonnes over 25 years, aligning with India’s climate action goals.

4. Job Creation: An estimated 17 lakh direct jobs are expected to be created in solar panel installation, maintenance, and manufacturing.

5. Boost to Domestic Manufacturing: The scheme promotes 'Make in India' by mandating the use of domestically manufactured solar modules and cells.

Challenges Faced by the Scheme

1. High Initial Costs: Despite subsidies, the upfront installation cost remains a barrier, especially for low-income households.

2. Limited Awareness: Many eligible households are unaware of the scheme’s benefits, application procedures, and long-term savings potential.

3. Grid Integration Issues: The existing power infrastructure lacks the capability to efficiently manage distributed solar power generation.

4. Slow Loan Disbursement: Although 10 lakh applications were received, only 1.28 lakh loans have been processed, slowing down financial accessibility.

5. Technical Limitations: Solar power’s intermittent nature necessitates advanced energy storage solutions and better grid connectivity.

Way Forward for Successful Implementation

1. Strengthening Awareness Campaigns: Utilize digital platforms, NGOs, and local governance bodies to educate citizens about the scheme’s benefits.

2. Enhancing Financial Support: Introduce zero-interest loans and streamline loan disbursement to encourage greater adoption.

3. Upgrading Grid Infrastructure: Invest in smart grids and energy storage solutions to efficiently integrate solar power into the national grid.

4. Expanding Beneficiary Base: Simplify the application and subsidy processes to ensure faster approvals and transparent tracking for applicants.

5. Encouraging Private Sector Participation: Offer incentives to solar companies for providing cost-effective solutions, making rooftop solar more accessible.

Conclusion

The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is a transformative initiative driving India towards clean energy sustainability. With strong policy backing, technological advancements, and public participation, this scheme has the potential to revolutionize India's solar energy sector, making renewable power accessible to millions of households.

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MCQs for UPSC CSE

1. What is the primary objective of the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana? a) Promote hydroelectric power generation b) Provide free rooftop solar power to households c) Encourage nuclear energy adoption d) Develop wind energy farms

   Answer: b) Provide free rooftop solar power to households

2. Which Indian state has the highest number of rooftop solar installations under the scheme? a) Maharashtra b) Tamil Nadu c) Gujarat d) Karnataka

   Answer: c) Gujarat

3. How much CO₂ emission reduction is expected from this scheme over 25 years? a) 500 million tonnes b) 720 million tonnes c) 900 million tonnes d) 1,000 million tonnes

   Answer: b) 720 million tonnes

4. Which of the following is a major challenge in implementing the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana? a) Lack of solar panel manufacturers in India b) High initial installation costs c) Low government support d) Excessive coal dependency

   Answer: b) High initial installation costs

5. What is a key benefit of the scheme for the Indian economy? a) Reducing foreign investment in energy b) Increasing reliance on fossil fuels c) Saving ₹75,000 crore annually in subsidies and procurement d) Reducing agricultural power consumption

   Answer: c) Saving ₹75,000 crore annually in subsidies and procurement

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Mains Question for UPSC CSE

"India has immense potential for solar energy, but regional disparities exist in its adoption." Discuss in light of the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and suggest measures to bridge this gap. (250 words)

Bridging the Gap Between Formal and Informal Education l UPSC CSE

Introduction

Education is the foundation of human development, shaping cognitive skills and social behavior. However, the effectiveness of education is largely determined by the methods and environments in which learning occurs. Recent research has highlighted a significant gap between formal (classroom-based) education and informal (real-world) learning.

Studies indicate that children working in markets exhibit excellent arithmetic skills in practical settings but struggle with classroom-based mathematical concepts. Conversely, school-going children who excel in theoretical mathematics often find it difficult to apply the same concepts in real-world scenarios. This discrepancy underscores the importance of learning methods, environments, and real-life applications in shaping cognitive abilities.

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Understanding the Gap: Formal vs. Informal Education

1. Theoretical Knowledge vs. Practical Application

• Classroom learning follows a structured, abstract approach, often disconnected from real-life applications.

• Informal education, such as market-based learning, is experiential and problem-solving oriented, driven by necessity rather than structured instruction.

2. Rote Learning vs. Context-Based Learning

• The Indian education system emphasizes rote memorization, where students learn formulas and procedures without understanding their real-world relevance.

• Market children acquire arithmetic skills through hands-on engagement, making their learning process more intuitive and applicable.

3. Created Spaces vs. Natural Environments

• Schools provide controlled environments with structured lessons, examinations, and limited practical engagement.

• The market offers a dynamic, unpredictable learning environment where children gain skills through direct participation and observation.

4. Felt Need vs. Imposed Learning

• In informal settings, children learn arithmetic out of necessity, making their learning intrinsically motivated and efficient.

• In schools, learning is often imposed, leading to disengagement and poor retention.

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The ASER Reports and Learning Deficiencies

The Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) consistently highlights that a significant number of Indian students in higher grades struggle with basic arithmetic and reading skills taught in lower grades. These deficiencies reflect the shortcomings of formal education in ensuring practical skill development.

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Philosophical Perspective on Learning

• Humans learn best through experience before transitioning to formal explanations.

• Market children develop mathematical skills through practical necessity, whereas classroom learners often rely on symbolic and abstract representation.

• A balanced education system should help students “rediscover” concepts through intuitive and experience-based learning.

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Bridging the Gap: Integrating Practical Learning with Formal Education

1. Hands-On Learning Approach

• Encourage activity-based learning through role-playing, simulations, and problem-solving exercises.

• Schools can create mini-markets where students learn trade, pricing, and basic financial literacy.

• Mathematics lessons can involve real-world calculations, such as weighing items, calculating discounts, and budgeting exercises.

2. Contextualizing Abstract Concepts

• Instead of teaching arithmetic as a set of abstract rules, integrate real-life case studies and interactive tasks.

• Use tangible objects in teaching. For example, measuring and comparing real fruits, vegetables, or objects can enhance conceptual understanding.

3. Personalized and Adaptive Learning

• Recognizing different learning styles (visual, auditory, kinesthetic) ensures inclusive education.

• Providing diverse learning materials such as videos, interactive apps, and hands-on activities caters to varied student needs.

4. Teacher Training and Pedagogical Reforms

• Teachers should be trained to link classroom concepts with real-world applications.

• Interactive teaching methodologies, such as storytelling and real-life analogies, should replace passive rote memorization.

5. Policy Implementation for Experiential Learning

• The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasizes skill-based and practical education, which needs effective implementation.

• Schools should partner with local businesses, artisans, and vendors to provide students with hands-on learning experiences.

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Conclusion

Bridging the gap between formal and informal education is not just an academic necessity but a social and economic imperative. By making learning meaningful, relevant, and engaging, students can develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. A well-balanced education system fosters critical thinking, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities, ultimately enhancing students’ career readiness and societal contributions.

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Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) for UPSC CSE

1. Which of the following best describes the key difference between formal and informal education? a) Formal education is structured, whereas informal education is unstructured.
b) Formal education focuses on rote learning, while informal education emphasizes practical skills.
c) Informal education occurs only in markets, whereas formal education is school-based.
d) Informal education lacks cognitive development.
Answer: b

2. According to ASER reports, what is the primary issue with Indian students' learning outcomes? a) Lack of school infrastructure.
b) Students struggling with basic arithmetic and reading despite being in higher grades.
c) Overemphasis on extracurricular activities.
d) Lack of teachers in urban schools.
Answer: b

3. Which government policy emphasizes skill-based and experiential learning in India? a) RTE Act 2009
b) National Education Policy (NEP) 2020
c) Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan
d) Digital India Initiative
Answer: b

4. What is a key advantage of informal education over formal education? a) It is always better than formal education.
b) It is more expensive but provides deeper insights.
c) It is driven by real-life needs and applications.
d) It does not require cognitive engagement.
Answer: c

5. How can the Indian education system bridge the gap between theoretical and practical learning? a) By emphasizing rote memorization techniques.
b) By reducing practical exposure to classroom students.
c) By integrating experiential learning methods such as real-world simulations and interactive tasks.
d) By removing informal education systems.
Answer: c

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Mains Practice Question:

“Education in India has focused more on theoretical learning rather than practical skills.” Critically examine this statement in the context of recent research on children’s arithmetical abilities in classrooms versus markets. (250 words).

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