Collector Jitendra Yadav explains registration, loans, subsidies and billing process; 3,575 beneficiaries have received subsidies — 200 fruit-bearing saplings planted under Awas Vatika initiative
Published on: August 20, 2026
By: BTNI
Location: Rajnandgaon, India
A Surya Sabha was organised in Keshotola village of Chhuriya development block to create awareness among rural residents about the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and encourage more households to adopt solar energy.
The programme was attended by Rajnandgaon Collector Jitendra Yadav, Chief Executive Officer of Zila Panchayat Durga Prasad Adhikari, Zila Panchayat President Kiran Vaishnav, social worker Phoolbasan Yadav, elected representatives, officials and a large number of villagers.
Collector Explains PM Surya Ghar Scheme in Detail
Addressing the villagers, Collector Jitendra Yadav explained the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana in detail and appealed to more families to install solar panels at their homes.
He explained the complete process, including registration, vendor selection, bank loan procedures, subsidies provided by the Central and State governments and electricity billing after installation of a solar power system.
The Collector said that installing a solar energy system can significantly reduce a family’s monthly electricity expenses and that the electricity bill can even become zero when the system generates sufficient power.
He assured villagers that necessary assistance would be provided to eligible beneficiaries throughout the process, from registration and loan formalities to installation of the solar plant.
Zila Panchayat President Kiran Vaishnav and social worker Phoolbasan Yadav also appealed to villagers to take advantage of the PM Surya Ghar scheme and encourage more households to install solar panels.
They highlighted solar energy as an important initiative that can provide financial savings to families while promoting clean and renewable energy.
Collector Interacts with Solar Didi
During the Surya Sabha, Collector Jitendra Yadav also interacted with Dhaneshwari Mandavi, a registered vendor and Solar Didi under the PM Surya Ghar scheme.
He sought detailed information about the work being undertaken by her and encouraged her to connect more beneficiaries with the scheme and facilitate the installation of solar power systems.
The Collector directed the concerned banks and departmental officials to provide all necessary support to Solar Didi so that there is no unnecessary delay in registration, loan processing or installation of solar systems.
Officials Address Villagers’ Queries
Officials from the Electricity Department and banks were also present at the Surya Sabha.
Villagers raised questions regarding the scheme, loan procedures, electricity bills, solar plant installation and other related matters. Officials addressed their questions on the spot and clarified their doubts and concerns.
The interaction helped villagers better understand the implementation process and the benefits available under the PM Surya Ghar scheme.
Over 5,000 Solar Plants Installed in Rajnandgaon
An update on the district’s progress under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana was also presented during the Surya Sabha.
According to the information shared at the programme:
- 10,698 applications have been received in the district.
- 10,477 beneficiaries have completed vendor selection.
- 5,036 solar power systems have been installed in homes.
- 3,575 beneficiaries have received subsidy payments.
Collector Jitendra Yadav directed concerned officials, banks and vendors to work in close coordination and accelerate pending cases so that eligible beneficiaries can receive the benefits of the scheme at the earliest.
He also appealed to villagers to come forward and take advantage of the scheme and encourage others to adopt solar energy.
200 Fruit-Bearing Saplings Planted Under Awas Vatika
Alongside the Surya Sabha, 200 fruit-bearing saplings were planted under the Awas Vatika initiative in Keshotola village.
Collector Jitendra Yadav, elected representatives and villagers participated in the plantation drive and delivered a message of environmental conservation and increased greenery.
Various fruit-bearing species, including mango, guava and Indian gooseberry (amla), were planted under the initiative.
Fencing has also been arranged around the plantation area to protect the saplings from cattle and other potential damage and to ensure their healthy growth.
Collector Appeals for Long-Term Care of Saplings
The Collector appealed to villagers to plant more trees around their homes, agricultural fields and other available spaces.
He emphasised that planting saplings alone is not enough and that their regular care and protection are equally important.
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He urged villagers to take responsibility for the protection, watering and maintenance of the planted saplings so that they can grow into healthy trees and provide both fruits and greenery in the future.
Zila Panchayat President Kiran Vaishnav and Padma Shri awardee Phoolbasan Yadav also participated in the plantation programme and encouraged villagers to plant more trees and contribute actively to environmental conservation.
Renewable Energy and Environmental Conservation Take Centre Stage
The activities in Keshotola brought together two important development priorities—promotion of clean energy and environmental conservation.
Through the Surya Sabha, villagers received detailed information about financial assistance and the process of adopting rooftop solar power, while the Awas Vatika plantation drive encouraged community participation in creating a greener and more sustainable rural environment.
The administration’s focus on both initiatives aims to encourage households to reduce electricity costs through renewable energy while strengthening environmental sustainability through plantation and long-term tree care.
