With Kashmir facing severe power crisis and solar power emerging as sustainable solution for their energy needs, Commissioner Secretary, Science & Technology, Saurabh Bhagat on Tuesday said government was committed to achieve a target of installing 100 MWs rooftop solar power through J&KEDA.
This he said while addressing business opportunity seminar organized by J&K Energy Development Agency (JKEDA) to promote rooftop solar power plants.
The event, held by the Science & Technology Department, witnessed participation of vendors from Jammu and was aimed to accelerate the implementation of the Government of India's Grid-connected Rooftop Solar Scheme, Phase-II, specifically for the residential sector in Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing the participants, Commissioner Secretary expressed the department's commitment to achieving a target of installing 100 MW rooftop solar power through J&KEDA.
He emphasized the collaboration with the Skill Development Department, particularly engaging principals of ITIs and polytechnics.
The interaction aimed at fostering partnerships with vendors, intending not only to develop the solar sector but also to generate employment opportunities for the youth of Jammu and Kashmir.
Bhagat outlined the plan to create 8,000 to 10,000 jobs through this scheme, particularly for ITI students who recently enrolled in the Surya Mitra skill development programme.
He detailed the unique opportunity for vendors to train and employ these students in their companies, contributing to both skill development and employment.
Commissioner Secretary emphasized the scheme's broader benefits, including the reduction of electricity bills for citizens, employment generation, and the promotion of clean energy.
Bhagat concluded by reiterating the commitment to install 100 MW of rooftop solar power in approximately 50,000 households in Jammu city. The scheme, with its attractive features and amid rising power tariffs, stands as a beacon of sustainable development for the region, he added.
Earlier, CEO of J&KEDA, Dr. PR Dhar highlighted the significance of this initiative, stating that the project's objective is to meet the electricity needs of Jammu city entirely through solar energy. The ambitious plan involves installing 200 MW grid-tied rooftop solar power plants on 50 thousand residential buildings in Jammu city under the "Solar City Mission."
According to government official, the power consumers wishing to install rooftop solar in J&K would get a 65 percent subsidy.
The government has also made provisions for free maintenance of these solar assets for the first five years of the solar rooftop projects, he said.