Delhi Cabinet okays Rs 30,000 subsidy for installation of rooftop solar panels
In a series of far-reaching decisions aimed at promoting sustainable development, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta-led Delhi Cabinet on Tuesday approved several initiatives focusing on clean energy, air pollution control and educational reforms.
Among the most significant announcements was the launch of the ‘PM Surya Ghar: Free Electricity – State Top-Up Scheme’, which will provide an additional Rs 30,000 subsidy for the installation of rooftop solar panels in Delhi. This increases the total available subsidy under the Central and state components to Rs 1.08 lakh, the highest-ever support extended for residential solar systems.
The scheme targets the installation of rooftop solar units on 2.3 lakh residential buildings over the next three years, with a budget allocation of Rs 50 crore. CM Rekha Gupta said a 1kW solar system would now receive Rs 10,000 from the Delhi Government, making solar adoption significantly more affordable. To further ease the burden on consumers, the government will tie up with financial institutions to offer zero upfront payment loans for the remaining cost of solar panel installation.
“This initiative will allow Delhi residents to save Rs 4,200 per month on electricity bills while contributing to a greener Capital,” said CM Gupta, calling it a transformative step in the fight against pollution and rising power costs.
Addressing the issue of rising air pollution, the Cabinet approved a comprehensive dust and sanitation control plan for roads managed by the Public Works Department (PWD). Under this, 250 water sprinkler machines with anti-smog guns and 70 mechanical road sweeping (MRS) machines will be deployed before the winter season.
Additionally, 210 water sprinklers, 18 dump vehicles and 18 water tankers will be mobilised to reduce road dust. “The goal is to make all these machines operational before the onset of winter, ensuring cleaner air across Delhi,” the Chief Minister said.
She said the Environment Department would fund these initiatives under the ‘Pollution Control and Emergency Measures’ scheme.
The Cabinet also approved renaming a key scholarship programme for school students. The ‘Chief Minister Scholarship for Meritorious Students’ will now be reinstated to its original title — ‘Lal Bahadur Shastri Scholarship for Meritorious Students’ (LBS).
The CM stated that the scheme had been renamed by the previous government in 2019-20, but her administration had chosen to restore its original identity to honour former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri.
The scholarship will continue to benefit students from Class VII to XII studying in government schools who have scored 80 per cent or above in the previous academic year. Eligible students will receive Rs 2,500 per annum as a scholarship.
With these landmark decisions, the Delhi Government has reaffirmed its commitment to clean energy, improved air quality, and strengthening educational support for the city’s youth.
Delhi