CM solar self-employment scheme takes off in Uttarakhand

The Chief Minister Solar Self-Employment Scheme in Uttarakhand has enabled hundreds of locals to set up small solar plants, generating self-employment while bolstering the rural economy. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami highlighted Uttarakhand’s favourable solar conditions, with ample sunshine even during winter, making it ideal for solar power generation.

Eligible residents can install solar plants ranging from 20 to 200 kW capacity, with the Uttarakhand Power Corporation Limited (UPCL) purchasing all generated electricity. Loans are available through cooperatives and other banks, and participants benefit from the exemptions under the state’s Self-Employment Scheme and MSME policy.

The scheme has already seen success stories, such as Amod Panwar from Tipri village, whose solar project has improved the local power supply. Another resident, Pratap Singh Rawat, who returned to his village from Dehradun, operates three solar plants totalling 800 kW, securing a long-term livelihood close to home.