Minister Gajendra Yadav presents certificates of appreciation to Assistant Engineer Prakash Narayan Verma and Junior Engineer Ekta Sahu at Chhattisgarh Rajyotsav 2026
Published on: November 04, 2026
By: BTNI
Location: Rajnandgaon, India
Electricity department officials and employees who played a key role in making Khaira the country’s first 100% solar-powered village under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana were honoured during Chhattisgarh Rajyotsav 2026.
At the state-level celebration, School Education Minister and Rajnandgaon district in-charge minister Gajendra Yadav presented certificates of appreciation to Assistant Engineer Prakash Narayan Verma and Junior Engineer Ekta Sahu in recognition of their outstanding contribution to the achievement.
All 141 Households Equipped with Rooftop Solar Systems
Under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, rooftop solar systems with a capacity of 2 kilowatts each have been installed in all 141 houses in Khaira village.
With these installations, the village has developed a combined solar power generation capacity of approximately 282 kilowatts. With a population of 889, Khaira has established a distinct identity by connecting every household to solar energy.
No Upfront Installation Cost for Villagers
A key feature of the initiative is that families did not have to spend any money from their own pockets for installing the solar systems.
After accounting for subsidies provided by the Central and State governments, the remaining amount was arranged through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) support.
Of the 141 solar-equipped households, 93 are beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin. This arrangement has enabled economically weaker and low-income families to access clean energy.
Electricity Department’s Role in Achieving the Target
Officials and employees of the electricity department played an active role in achieving complete coverage under the scheme in Khaira.
The departmental team worked to inform villagers about the scheme, connect eligible households with the initiative, complete application and documentation procedures, and coordinate with different stakeholders at various levels.
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The participation of local women, PM Surya Sakhis, self-help groups and the Gram Panchayat also contributed significantly to the successful implementation of the programme.
Solar Power Brings Benefits to Rural Households
With rooftop solar systems installed, residents are now generating electricity on their own rooftops. The net metering system also allows surplus electricity, after household consumption, to be supplied to the electricity grid.
This arrangement provides relief in electricity bills and enables rural consumers to participate in power generation, taking on the role of energy producers.
Recognition at Rajyotsav 2026
The certificates presented by Minister Gajendra Yadav recognise the dedication, efficiency and commitment to public welfare demonstrated by the electricity department officials and employees.
Khaira’s achievement is a matter of pride for Rajnandgaon district and offers an example for other villages in Chhattisgarh and across the country. The initiative also represents a step towards promoting clean energy, reducing electricity expenses for households and strengthening energy self-reliance in rural India.
