Overview
Recently, the Punjab Chief Minister, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, launched the Punjab Solar Scheme, also known as the Roshan Ghara Programme. This initiative aims to provide free solar systems to poor and deserving families across Punjab. The ready-made solar systems will include two solar panels, batteries, an inverter, wires, and other necessary materials. This article explores the eligibility criteria and details of the scheme.
Background of the Punjab Solar Scheme
A few months ago, the Chief Minister of Punjab announced the distribution of free solar systems to 50,000 households in Punjab. These systems were initially intended for consumers using up to 100 units of electricity per month. However, due to the burden of heavy electricity bills in June, the Chief Minister expanded the scheme to benefit households consuming between 50 and 500 units per month, increasing the potential beneficiaries to 4.5 million users. This expansion aims to provide relief from high electricity costs and promote renewable energy.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Punjab Solar Scheme, applicants must meet the following criteria:
| Criterion | Details |
| Electricity Consumption | Households consuming between 50 and 500 units per month |
| Monthly Income | No specific income limit, but families with a monthly income of Rs 50,000 are likely to benefit |
| Identity Card | Applicants must have an identity card to prove Pakistani citizenship and residence in Punjab |
| Domicile | Beneficiaries must belong to Punjab |
| Poverty Score | Applicants must have a poverty score of 32 or less according to the NSER survey |
| Existing Solar Systems | Households must not already have solar systems |
| Bank Borrowers | Applicants must not be bank borrowers |
| Illegal Activities | Households involved in electricity theft or illegal activities are ineligible |
Priority Groups and Phases
The scheme will be implemented in phases, with priority given to different groups:
- First Phase: Poor families will receive solar systems first to alleviate heavy electricity bills.
- Second Phase: Middle-class families will be targeted.
Financial Assistance
The cost of solar panels is divided into government support and consumer contribution. The Punjab government will cover 90% of the total cost, while the remaining 10% will be paid by the consumer. Consumers will pay their share through easy five-year installments.
| Cost Components | Percentage Covered |
| Punjab Government | 90% |
| Consumer | 10% |
Key Points of the Punjab Solar Scheme
| Program Name | Punjab Free Solar Scheme / Roshan Ghara Programme |
| Target Beneficiaries | Households consuming 50 to 500 units of electricity per month |
| Government Contribution | 90% of cost |
| Consumer Contribution | 10% of cost |
| Priority Group | Poor and underprivileged families |
You can Also Apply For: Loan Scheme
Registration Process
The registration for the Punjab Solar Scheme has not officially started. However, the process will be facilitated through specific banks, with Punjab Bank being the primary facilitator. Updated information will be provided on the official website to help aspiring families register and receive their solar systems.
Conclusion
The Punjab Solar Scheme represents a significant effort by the Punjab Government to promote renewable energy and provide financial relief to households burdened by high electricity bills. By covering 90% of the cost of solar systems, the government aims to ensure that poor and deserving families can access sustainable energy solutions. Applicants meeting the eligibility criteria will soon be able to register and benefit from this initiative. For the latest updates, continue visiting the official website.
FAQs
1. Who is eligible for the Punjab Solar Scheme?
- Households consuming 50 to 500 units of electricity per month, with a poverty score of 32 or less, and residing in Punjab.
2. How much of the cost will the government cover?
- The Punjab government will cover 90% of the total cost of the solar systems.
3. What are the requirements for applicants?
- Applicants must have a Pakistani identity card, reside in Punjab, not have an existing solar system, not be bank borrowers, and not be involved in illegal activities.
4. When will the registration start?
- The registration date has not been announced yet, but it will be facilitated through specific banks.
5. How can applicants get updates?
- Applicants can get updates by visiting the official website regularly