The Government of India launched the PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana on February 29, 2024, with a major financial allocation of ₹75,021 crore, aiming to help one crore residential households install rooftop solar power systems by 2026-27. The goal of this ambitious scheme is to enable households to generate their own free electricity and promote sustainable energy use across the country. To support this initiative, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has allocated around ₹657 crore specifically for a nationwide Awareness and Outreach campaign, which represents one percent of the scheme’s Central Financial Assistance component. This awareness component is considered crucial for motivating people to participate in the scheme and understand the entire process from registration to installation of rooftop solar systems.
The recently released operational guidelines provide clarity on how the awareness campaign will be executed. The campaign’s main objective is to communicate technical information in a simple and user-friendly manner so that families can make informed decisions about adopting solar technology. A variety of channels will be used to reach the public. Large-scale electronic media campaigns will include publicity on national and regional television and radio, testimonial videos, jingles, and talk shows. Print media will also play a key role, featuring advertisements in newspapers and magazines and distributing brochures, pamphlets, and FAQ booklets to educate the public.
Local outreach is another critical component of the campaign. Activities such as road shows, street plays or Nukkad Nataks, and flash mobs are planned to engage communities directly. The most direct approach to generating applications on the national portal will involve a door-to-door campaign through partners like Common Service Centers, postal workers, and LPG dealers. Digital outreach will also be significant, with advertisements on social media platforms and bulk mobile messaging reaching a large number of households quickly and effectively.
To ensure proper implementation, the Awareness and Outreach Committee, chaired by the Mission Director of the PM-Surya Ghar Yojana, will oversee all activities. This committee regularly reviews action plans submitted by different agencies, including the National Awareness and Outreach Plan (NAOP) prepared by the National Programme Implementing Agency (NPIA), Departmental Awareness and Outreach Plans (DAOPs) prepared by partner ministries, and State Awareness and Outreach Plans (SAOPs) prepared by State Implementation Agencies (SIAs). The Committee has the authority to approve, modify, or reject proposed activities and their budgets, ensuring that all efforts are well-coordinated and effective.
A key amendment issued on October 6, 2025, has further streamlined the approval process. It requires that all action plans be examined and recommended by the NPIA before the Committee gives its final approval. For media and publicity activities, the Committee will also ensure that plans adhere to the rates set by the Central Bureau of Communications, giving preference to vendors empanelled with the CBC. The NPIA is responsible for monitoring all communication plans and maintaining an activity calendar, ensuring that the awareness campaign progresses smoothly and contributes effectively to achieving the ambitious target of one crore solar rooftops.
The comprehensive strategy combines mass media, local outreach, digital promotion, and direct household engagement, reflecting a coordinated effort by the government to increase solar adoption in India. By simplifying technical information and actively engaging citizens, the PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana aims not only to promote renewable energy but also to empower households to generate their own electricity, supporting India’s transition towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.
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