PM-KUSUM scheme neglected earlier, Telangana seeks Centre’s support for green power
Hyderabad: Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka said the previous government neglected the PM-KUSUM scheme and failed to utilise central support. He added that the present Telangana government has asked the Centre to allocate funds and has offered to bear the farmers’ share to promote green power.
Speaking on the state’s solar energy policy, Bhatti Vikramarka said the government has adopted a multi-pronged strategy to take solar power to the grassroots. He said the state plans to supply green energy to agriculture as well as domestic consumers.
The Deputy Chief Minister said the Centre launched the PM-KUSUM scheme nearly a decade ago. However, the previous government did not implement it in Telangana because it failed to submit proposals. He said the Centre has now informed the state that funds remain limited due to the delay.
Bhatti Vikramarka said the government continues to coordinate closely with the Centre to secure the maximum number of PM-KUSUM connections. He said A. Revanth Reddy and he personally met the Union Power Minister, submitted written representations, and requested fresh allocations. They also sought unutilised quotas from other states for Telangana.
PM-KUSUM scheme hurdles flagged in push for green power
Highlighting policy hurdles, the Deputy Chief Minister said the Centre restricts the PM-KUSUM scheme to farmers cultivating their own land. He said this condition excludes lease farmers and has become a major obstacle.
He pointed out that Telangana allows SHG women members to form groups and lease land for solar projects. However, the Centre does not currently permit such arrangements under the scheme.
Bhatti Vikramarka said the state has urged the Centre to relax lease-related norms. He said income from such projects ultimately benefits farmers and supports the goal of green power generation. He reiterated that Telangana is ready to bear the farmers’ contribution if the Centre sanctions the connections.
He also said interest in solar systems for agriculture remains limited. Since farmers already receive quality free power, many hesitate to switch. The government, he added, has started awareness campaigns to encourage solar adoption under the PM-KUSUM scheme.
