Latest news with #Mantri


The Print
11 hours ago
- Business
- The Print
Gujarat sees highest coverage under PM's rooftop solar installations scheme; Bengal, Jharkhand lag
According to data provided by the MNRE Wednesday, the implementation of the policy since February 2024 has been inconsistent across states. Gujarat and Maharashtra are leading, with 5.23 and 3.79 lakh households covered, respectively, but the scheme is yet to cover even 1,000 households in states such as Jharkhand and West Bengal. The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is a central scheme introduced in February 2024 to provide rooftop solar installations in one crore households. The scheme has an outlay of Rs 75,021 crore until 2026-27. The scheme grants residential households subsidies of 40-60 percent for solar panel installations. New Delhi: As of 14 July, the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, the solar rooftop scheme of the Centre, had benefitted 15.45 lakh households, the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has informed the Parliament. Nearly 5.23 lakh of those households—33 percent—are located in one state, Gujarat. 'The scheme is demand-driven, meaning all residential consumers in the country … can avail the benefits of the scheme by applying on the National Portal,' according to a written response submitted by the MNRE on Wednesday during the ongoing monsoon session. The National Portal has noted 57 lakh applications from across the nation, but only 12.7 lakh completed installations. The total installed capacity under the scheme is 4.8 Gigawatts so far, with 1.4 Gigawatts of that in Gujarat alone. Responding to another question in the Parliament—whether Karnataka is significantly lagging in rolling out the mission—Wednesday, the MNRE noted that Karnataka had completed over 14,000 installations by 31 May, while receiving more than two lakh applications under the scheme. The ministry also informed the Parliament that it had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Karnataka state government in September 2024 to help with solar panel installations. It added that the National Portal had 'simplified' the process of obtaining loans to install rooftop solar panels. States by highest & lowest installations Under the scheme, the target of one crore residential solar rooftop installations is likely to be achieved by the end of March 2027. Union Territories, such as Chandigarh and Daman and Diu, have already met 100 percent of their targets for solar panel installations at government buildings. Currently, the top states in rooftop solar installations are Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Kerala. Of those, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Kerala alone account for 10.39 lakh household installations (67 percent). Besides Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Jammu and Kashmir, the states with the lowest installed capacity are in the Northeast—Manipur, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram, and Sikkim. (Edited by Madhurita Goswami) Also Read: India's solar ambition needs financial vision – ISA must move from commitments to execution


News18
a day ago
- Business
- News18
PM Kisan Scheme: How It Works, Benefits And Eligibility
Providing financial assistance to farmers and easing their initial struggles for crop management, the PM Kisan Yojana has had a significant impact on farmers across India. The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM Kisan) Yojana is a government-sponsored farmer support scheme launched in 2019, providing financial assistance to crop owners and easing their struggles. Under this scheme, eligible farmers receive Rs 6,000 from the Indian government annually in three equal instalments per year. The government aims to cover farming costs and other crop-related expenses, which has raised agricultural productivity and boosted farmers' livelihoods. Apart from the annual financial support of Rs 6,000 that helps farmers buy seeds, fertilisers and equipment for their initial farming activities, the PM Kisan encourages modern agricultural practices. With the financial aid provided, farmers can invest in modern tools and techniques. The assistance from the government also reduces debt, as farmers don't necessarily have to borrow money from unorganised sectors anymore. Such loans often come at high interest rates, causing a serious headache on repayment. Eligibility The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana targets small and marginal farmers, who have a holding of up to two acres of land. The following are the eligibility criteria to become a beneficiary of the scheme: The applicant must be an Indian citizen. The land the farmer owns must be cultivable as per the land records maintained by the government. The scheme also allows landholding farmers' families, who have cultivable land in their names, to apply and fetch the benefits. Certain higher economic status categories are not eligible for the PM Kisan scheme, including institutional landholders and farmer families holding constitutional posts. Also not eligible are active, retired officers or employees of the state and central government, PSUs and other autonomous bodies. It further excludes professional doctors, engineers, and lawyers. How To Apply For PM Kisan While the offline process to apply for the PM Kisan scheme involves visiting the nearest Common Service Centres (CSCs), farmers can now enrol themselves with the scheme online as well. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to proceed. Step 1: Visit the official website of PM Kisan ( Step 2: Click on 'New Farmer Registration' Step 3: Provide your Aadhaar number, mobile number and bank account details. Step 4: Upload all the required documents. The website will ask for the land ownership proof to identify you as an eligible farmer. Step 5: Apply for verification Upon verification, the farmer becomes eligible for financial assistance directly into their registered bank account. view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.


Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Union minister Gurjar urges Meghalaya govt to talk to groups opposing rail projects
Shillong: Union minister of state for cooperation Krishan Pal Gurjar on Friday urged the Meghalaya government to engage in dialogue with groups opposing railway projects aimed at connecting all northeast state capitals by rail. Union minister of state for cooperation Krishan Pal Gurjar 'The Prime Minister's vision is to ensure strong and seamless connectivity across the country—be it through railways or airports—in every state capital,' Gurjar said. The centre had proposed two railway lines — a 22-km stretch from Tetelia in Assam to Byrnihat in Meghalaya and a 108-km stretch from Byrnihat to Shillong. The Tetelia–Byrnihat project, for which ₹496 crore was sanctioned, has seen significant groundwork but remains stalled now. The debate over railway connectivity in Meghalaya has been a contentious issue, marked by strong opposing views from the government, opposition parties, civil society organisations, and local communities. While proponents see railway expansion as a catalyst for economic growth, cheaper transportation, and improved trade, detractors argue it will lead to demographic shifts, environmental degradation, and the erosion of indigenous identity. 'The state must engage with all stakeholders to address concerns and ensure that key infrastructure is not indefinitely held back,' Gurjar said. Gurjar on Thursday reviewed several central schemes and took stock of flagship projects in East Khasi Hills, including the Mawtawar Water Supply Scheme — a project driven by community effort with government support. He also chaired a review meeting with the planning and cooperation department to assess the progress of schemes like Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Gramin (PMAY-G), Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), National Livestock Mission (NLM), and the Mushroom Development Centre. Also Read: Meghalaya's rail connectivity imbroglio: A battle of opinions, promises, fears Reiterating the Centre's goal under Viksit Bharat 2047, Gurjar said, 'It is the Prime Minister's belief that when the people prosper, the states prosper, and when the states prosper, the nation becomes a thriving, self-reliant country.' Gurjar also interacted with beneficiaries of central schemes, including rural job card holders, women-led self help group (SHGs) known as Lakhpati Didis, cooperative societies, and water warriors.


Time of India
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Union min Kurian launches two projects under PMJVK in Siaha
Aizawl: Union minister of state for minority affairs and fisheries, animal husbandry & dairying George Kurian laid the foundation stone for two projects under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK) in Mizoram's southern Siaha district through virtual mode on Wednesday. The event was held at Mara Autonomous District Council (MADC) Golden Jubilee Hall with two legislators from the district, Dr K Beichhua and K Hrahmo, attending the event virtually as well. Kurian highlighted the vision and aspirations of the Centre for Vikshit Bharat 2047. He said in line with the govt's vision for India to be a developed nation by the centenary of its Independence in 2047, various developmental works have been carried out in different parts of the country. Kurian also said northeastern states and Mizoram in particular have witnessed robust transformation under dynamic leaders of the central govt at present and expressed optimism that the projects bring about groundbreaking advancement for the people of Siaha. Beichhua, who is also state BJP president, and chief executive member (CEM) of MADC M Laikaw also delivered short oration, each conveying their appreciation to the central govt for their broad attitude towards the uplift of minority and empowerment of marginalised communities of the country.


Time of India
16-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Projects worth over Rs 7,000 cr to be launched during PM's visit to Bihar on July 18
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate development projects exceeding Rs 7,000 crore during his upcoming visit to Bihar. The projects span across railways, national highways, rural development, IT, and animal husbandry. He will also disburse funds to beneficiaries of housing schemes and self-help groups, marking his 53rd visit to the state since assuming office. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch development projects worth more than Rs 7,000 crore during his visit to Bihar on Friday, a senior party leader to state BJP president Dilip Jaiswal, Modi will address a public meeting at Gandhi Maidan in Motihari town, the headquarters of East Champaran district."That Bihar is high on the Prime Minister's agenda can be gauged from the fact that he will be visiting the state for the 53rd time since he assumed power. The state will be showered with development projects worth Rs 7,196 crore," Jaiswal added that the projects are related to diverse sectors, including railways, national highways and roads, rural development, animal husbandry and dairy farming, and Information Technology."The projects relating to railways are worth Rs 5,398 crore while national highways and roads would account for another Rs 1,173 crore. IT projects, aimed at strengthening digital infrastructure, would involve a cost of Rs 63 crore," Jaiswal BJP leader also said that at the function, the PM will disburse an amount of Rs 162 crore, through direct cash transfer, to 40,000 beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Gramin Awas Yojana while another 12,000 people will be handed over the keys to their new houses."In addition, financial assistance of Rs 400 crore will be extended to 61,500 self-help groups during the function. Bihar, which sees Modi as family, awaits the PM eagerly," Jaiswal added.