GOEM VINAMULYA VIJ YEVJAN SCHEME

The Chief Minister’s Initiative to Sustainability

- Seeja Prabhu

In line with the state's commitment to sustainable growth and development, the Hon'ble Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant has launched the Goem Vinamulya Vij Yevjan Scheme (Goa Costless Electricity Scheme) 2024. This initiative aligns with the Prime Minister's PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and represents a crucial step toward fulfilling the state's promise of promoting sustainable living across all aspects of life.

The introduction and implementation of such a scheme, particularly in tropical and humid regions like Goa, is an exceptionally beneficial initiative. With both public and private transportation increasingly adopting electric vehicles, the state is setting an influential example of energy conservation and sustainability. Additionally, with complimentary solar rooftops, Goa is poised to achieve a new level of sustainability development.

Objectives of the Scheme

The primary goal of this scheme is to reduce the dependency of Goan citizens on conventional electricity generation methods and promote greater self-sufficiency by utilizing natural resources. This initiative also aims to foster a culture of sustainability among the people of Goa. Furthermore, the scheme is designed to provide financial relief to residents, alleviating the burden of energy costs.

The budget for the Prime Minister's Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (a central government initiative) is estimated at Rs. 75,021 crore, with the completion timeline set for FY 2026-2027. In comparison, the initial budget for Goa's Goem Vinamulya Vij Yevjan scheme is Rs. 35 crore. The remaining costs for rooftop installations will be covered by the Goa Energy Development Agency.

Eligibility Requirements and Application Process

To be eligible for this scheme, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Be permanent residents of Goa.