Deputy CM inaugurates Solar Model Village programme in Ravinuthala village in Khammam district, terms it as a unique initiative

Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka on Monday hailed the Solar Model Village programme initiated by the State government as a unique initiative, saying it envisages transformation of every house and each agricultural pump set into solar power generation unit.

Addressing a public meeting after launching the programme at Ravinuthala village in Bonakal mandal on Monday, the Deputy CM said the revolutionary initiative is part of the State government’s ambitious renewable energy goals.

He said the State government is bearing the entire cost to install solar power plants, enabling households and farmers to use the electricity generated for their own needs and sell the surplus power to the State electricity department.

As part of a pilot project, the programme is being implemented in 81 villages across the State by spending ₹1,380 crore. In Kodangal and Bonakal mandals, the project is being implemented comprehensively.

In Bonakal mandal alone, an amount of ₹306 crore is being spent for 22 villages, including Ravinuthala, where ₹24 crore is being spent.

Explaining the salient features of the programme, he said, “Through solar power generation, a family can save up to ₹14,000 per year. Additionally, a family can earn a minimum of ₹4,000 to ₹5,000 per year by selling surplus electricity to the government power utilities at ₹2.57 per unit.

He called upon women to utilise the programme to save on electricity bills and earn substantial income.

The Deputy CM exhorted farmers to install solar power units on agricultural pump sets saying the government will fully fund the installation of these solar plants. Farmers can sell surplus electricity generated during non-cultivation period to the power utilities and earn additional income, he noted.

He said the State government is mulling installing solar power plants at all government schools and offices.

He asserted that the government is striving to increase wealth in the State and distribute it equitably.

Mr. Vikramarka reiterated that the State’s resources will be protected from vultures and predators (unscrupulous elements).

He added that the State government is extending ₹5,000 crore in interest-free loans to women SHGs across all municipalities with the objective of empowering women.