By Dr. Gyan Pathak
It would be shocking for many to learn that the Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) that runs a campaign named Gram Urja Swaraj has in fact neither any scheme nor any budget. PM Narendra Modi’s Gram Urja Swaraj is just an empty slogan with too little work done on the ground to have any impact.
MoP Representatives have stated during briefing to Parliamentary Standing Committee on Rural Development and Panchayati Raj that MoPR does not have any scheme and no budget has been allocated for this purpose. It should be noted that the Gram Urja Swaraj campaign was launched by the ministry to help villages use clean energy like solar, wind, and biogas.
It has prompted the committee to recommend that MoPR should start a dedicated scheme with adequate fund to help villages to become self-reliant in clean and affordable energy by using renewable source like solar power, windmills, biogas and small energy grids. Such a scheme should focus on support to Gram Panchayats by giving them financial and technical held, train young people to manage these energy systems, encourage people to use energy wisely, and involve the whole community.
Though there is no scheme and no budget under the Gram Urja Swaraj, the committee members were apprised of the scheme of awarding panchayats for good performance. It was stated that under the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA), two special awards were introduced – Gram Urja Special Panchayat Award and Carbon Neutral Special Panchayat Award. The winner Gram Panchayat get reward of an amount of Rs 1 crore, Rs75 lakh and Rs 50 lakh for first, second and third place.
Though the Gram Urja Swaraj Campaign is led by MoPR, its role is limited to collaboration and identification of projects, with funding largely routed through the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). MNRE is the nodal Ministry for all matters relating to new and renewable energy – which has been vital in bringing new initiatives such as Pradhan Mantri Kisal Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) and National Solar Mission.
It is also worth noting that the MoPR in consultation with MNRE and industry experts had prepared a concept note on “Making Panchayats ‘Atma Nirbhar’ through Renewable Energy”. It has outlined the implementation mechanisms, financing models, year-wise targets, and roles of the Central Government, State Government, and Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). The States have been advised to launch a ‘Gram Urja Swaraj’ campaign for renewable energy interventions in rural areas. An Advisory on this matter had been shared with the Chief Ministers of States in March2022.Additionally,MoPR has also issued advisories to States to promote implementation of schemes such as PM Surya Ghar, while highlighting the roles and responsibilities of PRIs.
Nevertheless, the irony is that Gram Urja Swaraj has neither any scheme nor budget. Additionally, MoPR is totally dependent on MNRE. The parliamentary panel has in its latest report pointed out that this dependency limits MoPR’s operational autonomy and slows grassroots implementation. The Committee recommend that MoPR should establish a dedicated Rural Renewable Energy Fund under its own budget to reduce dependence on MNRE and enable Panchayats to directly plan, sanction and implement renewable energy projects. Funds can be pooled from Finance Commission grants, State Finance Commissions, NABARD’s Rural Infrastructure Development Fund, CSR Contributions and development partners.
Committee has found that the there was no or little coordination between the ministries, which compelled them to urge the MoPR, for other better coordination between both the Ministries.
Low quality of solar panels has been an issue. The committee has noted it and said that improving the quality and durability of solar films under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana and PM-KUSUM is important for the scheme’s long-term success. Low-quality films produce less electricity and degrade faster when exposed to heat, rain, and dust, leading to frequent repairs and higher costs. This can reduce trust in the program and discourage people from using it.
The Committee recommend that the MoPR must take strong steps for installation of quality standards and durable solar films from approved manufacturers and trained installer. Mandatory use of solar films with UV resistance, moisture protection, BIS certification, IEC safety guidelines along with10 years warranty would serve the purpose effectively.
Further, Committee urged the MoPR should conduct third-party audits for quality checks of solar films as the Committee are of the view that using better-quality solar films work more efficiently, save money over the period, benefiting both the households and the Government’s investment. Further, in order to have optimal results there is a need to employ trained and certified installers to maintain the performance and durability of the solar films.
The Committee observed that batteries currently in use are outdated, have limited storage capacity, and stop functioning properly over the period. Frequently replacing solar batteries and purchasing new batteries can make using solar energy more expensive in the long run and make it harder for people to afford or rely on solar energy. To make renewable energy systems work better and last longer the Committee recommend that the MoPR should explore possibility to procure latest upgraded battery with provision of its replacement and upgradation.
During the course of evidence, the Committee noted that there is an acute shortage of trained/skilled mechanics to repair and maintain solar panels. The Committee therefore recommend that the MoPR should hire special agencies or establish training centres to train the people to maintain and repair solar panels.
The Committee recommended that Panchayats should be empowered as energy producers, with legal backing in State Panchayati Raj Acts to own renewable energy assets and sell surplus power to DISCOMS, creating sustainable local revenue streams. Further, Committee also suggested MoPR to act as nodal for multi-Ministry Convergence-use MGNREGA (MoRD) for labour components, MoHUA for solar street lighting, PM-KUSUM for solar lighting-while forging direct partnerships with PSUs and CSR agencies for sponsorship of energy infrastructure. (IPA Service)
Pakistan’s Increasing Strategic Alliance With China And Bangladesh Is Ominous For India 