Jammu: The Government of Jammu & Kashmir has initiated the process for identification of eligible beneficiaries under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) category across all districts for providing 200 units of free electricity, in line with its commitment to extend targeted relief to economically weaker sections.
The high-level meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Wednesday focused on advancing reforms in the power sector. Chief Secretary emphasized on social welfare, sustainability, and efficiency. A key agenda item was the implementation of the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) and the promotion of rooftop solar adoption under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. This initiative aims to provide free electricity to over 2.22 lakh Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households across the Union Territory, ensuring extensive coverage even in remote areas. Additional Chief Secretary Ashwani Kumar highlighted ongoing efforts to verify beneficiary eligibility through field data validation, addressing challenges such as discrepancies in databases, migration issues, and accessibility of households. Special attention is being given to households in mountainous regions, where logistical challenges complicate service delivery. The PM Surya Ghar initiative has seen significant uptake, with over 28,600 applications in Jammu Division and more than 11,000 installations completed, while Kashmir Division reported over 73,000 applications and 17,700 installations. The program operates under the Renewable Energy Service Company (RESCO) model, allowing private developers to manage installations without upfront costs to consumers, thereby enhancing solar energy accessibility. The meeting also reviewed the RDSS, which aims to strengthen power distribution infrastructure through smart metering, infrastructure upgrades, and loss reduction strategies. An investment of ₹5,762 crore is being directed towards these initiatives, with over 7.10 lakh smart meters installed across Jammu and Kashmir, significantly improving operational efficiency metrics. The Chief Secretary emphasized the importance of integrating immediate financial relief through free electricity with long-term structural reforms, such as solar energy initiatives and RDSS infrastructure improvements. These combined efforts are expected to enhance power reliability, reduce losses, and foster clean energy adoption, contributing to inclusive growth and sustainable development in Jammu and Kashmir.
