Officials Urged to Expedite Implementation of KUSUM-C Scheme

Fast Summary

• The KUSUM-C scheme aims to provide farmers with reliable daytime electricity by installing solar units near agricultural feeders.
• These solar units will generate power locally and supply it to irrigation pump sets through agricultural feeders, promising seven hours of daytime electricity for farmers.
• Additional Chief Secretary (Energy), Gaurav Gupta, urged Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation (CESC) officials to expedite the scheme’s implementation during a review meeting in Mysuru.
• Gupta stated that resolving electricity issues faced by farmers could be accomplished within the next few months if the scheme is implemented effectively.
• Officials were advised to address land-related challenges by engaging with entrepreneurs and farmers directly.
• efficiency improvements in billing, meter reading and inspection, and prevention of illegal connections were emphasized as priorities for CESC officials.
• Managing Director of CESC, K.M. Munigopal Raju, announced work orders for 842.16 MW from 153 stations under KUSUM-C implementation efforts along with operational power purchase agreements (PPAs) for generating 566.3 MW from 100 substations.
• Division-level executives have been tasked to achieve a minimum generation target of 5 MW per division in three months.
• updates on other initiatives like the Ganga Kalyana scheme and rural electrification projects were discussed alongside maintenance tasks.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The KUSUM-C scheme is set to address longstanding energy scarcity concerns among India’s farming community by offering sustainable daytime electricity through local solar power generation near feeders-a positive move towards renewable energy adoption at the grassroots level. This could reduce reliance on conventional sources while improving irrigation outcomes critical for agrarian productivity.Effective execution will require streamlined coordination between government departments like CESC and active resolution of challenges such as land acquisition-a potential roadblock that holds importance given India’s complex land-use environment.The emphasis on efficiency improvements across billing systems along with tackling illegal connections aligns well with broader goals towards strengthening openness in energy distribution networks-a vital step amidst growing demand across sectors.

If implemented successfully within stated timelines, this initiative has ripple effects, which may extend into better rural livelihoods and India’s renewable energy commitments under global climate goals.

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