UP's solar policy makes the state power self-reliant, over 82,000 apply under PM Surya Ghar Scheme in Agra region

The Yogi government's green energy policy is helping Uttar Pradesh become self-reliant in electricity production. At the same time, it is creating large-scale employment. The central government's PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme has received a strong response in the Agra division with more than 82,000 applications so far.According to UP NEDA Project Officer (Additional Charge) Khagendra Singh, a total of 82,759 people have applied under the PM Surya Ghar scheme in the Agra division. Out of these, 30,502 applications have come from Agra district alone. He said the rising use of solar energy is due to the Uttar Pradesh government's incentive policies and the PM Surya Ghar scheme. People are now installing rooftop solar systems in large numbers.With thousands of homes and commercial buildings switching to solar power, the Braj region is moving rapidly towards green energy. The use of rooftop solar panels is reducing dependence on traditional electricity and promoting clean energy.Khagendra Singh said that the scheme is not only providing affordable electricity to consumers but is also helping the economy. More than 3,200 people in the Agra division have already received jobs directly and indirectly through this initiative. Employment is increasing due to the growing number of vendors, solar companies and trained technicians.A key highlight of the scheme is the 'Surya Mitra' training programme. Under this programme, UP NEDA provides free training to youth for installing and maintaining solar panels. This has opened new career options in the solar sector. Thousands of vendors, companies and trained technicians are now getting steady work.Pankaj Yadav, a technical assistant for solar installation and maintenance, said that after completing training from UP NEDA, he got a job in a solar company immediately. "I was unemployed earlier, but now I have a stable career. This step of the Yogi government has helped me become self-reliant," he said.People using the PM Surya Ghar scheme are also very happy. Roma, a resident of Vijaynagar in Agra, said that her electricity bills used to be very high. "After installing rooftop solar panels under this scheme, our home now runs on solar energy. We are saving a lot on power bills. This is a big relief for us," she said.