#MuftBijli Yojana

[shivaenterprises]

Union Budget 2025: Impact On Solar and Rural Development Initiatives

The Union Budget 2025-26 reaffirms India's commitment to sustainable development and energy independence by prioritizing solar energy expansion and rural infrastructure projects. Key initiatives such as the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, PM-KUSUM, and Jal Jeevan Mission have received significant financial allocations, while strategic reductions in import duties on solar components aim to accelerate the country’s transition to renewable energy.

Budget Allocations for Solar Energy

The government has allocated ₹1,500 crore specifically for the solar power grid segment. Furthermore, the overall budget allocation for renewable energy has seen a significant increase from ₹4,757 crore in FY 2023-24 to over ₹8,000 crore in FY 2024-25. This demonstrates a strong policy push toward expanding India's solar capacity and reducing reliance on conventional energy sources.

PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana

Introduced in February 2024, the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana enables households to generate their own electricity through rooftop solar installations. The scheme has received a remarkable 80% budget increase, rising from ₹11,100 crore to ₹20,000 crore in the current budget. This financial boost is expected to accelerate the adoption of rooftop solar systems, enhancing energy security and significantly reducing electricity costs for millions of households.

As of November 2024, over 6.34 lakh households have benefited from the initiative, with a target of one crore installations by March 2027.

PM-KUSUM Scheme

The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) continues to play a critical role in empowering farmers through solar-powered irrigation pumps. The scheme has been allocated ₹2,600 crore, marking a 2.97% increase from the previous year. PM-KUSUM is structured into three key components:

Component A: Installation of grid-connected ground-mounted solar power plants with a capacity of up to 2 MW.

Component B: Deployment of standalone solar-powered agricultural pumps.

Component C: Solarization of existing grid-connected agricultural pumps.

Collectively, these initiatives aim to install 30.8 GW of additional solar capacity, significantly contributing to India’s renewable energy goals while reducing the dependency on fossil fuels in the agricultural sector.

Jal Jeevan Mission

The Jal Jeevan Mission, dedicated to ensuring access to safe drinking water for all rural households, has been extended until 2028. In addition to providing clean water, the initiative promotes sustainable water management practices and improved rural infrastructure. The extension underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life in rural India by ensuring reliable access to potable water.

Reduction in Solar Import Duties

One of the pivotal highlights of the Union Budget 2025 is the reduction in import duties on solar modules and components from 40% to 25%. This strategic move is expected to lower the overall cost of solar installations, making solar energy more affordable for both households and businesses. Additionally, the duty cut is anticipated to stimulate growth in the domestic solar manufacturing sector, ensuring cost-effective access to high-quality components.

Conclusion

The increased budgetary allocations for PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, PM-KUSUM, and the Jal Jeevan Mission, coupled with the reduction in import duties on solar components, highlight India’s long-term strategic focus on sustainable development. These measures not only promote renewable energy adoption and strengthen rural infrastructure but also empower communities—particularly in rural areas—by providing them with the necessary tools and resources for self-sufficiency and economic growth. Shiva Enterprises has been a pioneer in such developments, contributing significantly to advancing solar energy solutions and rural infrastructure initiatives.