FIRDOUS AHMAD
SRINAGAR, Sept 13: The much-hyped Pradhan Mantri Suriya Mufti Bijli Yojana (popularly known as PM’s Muft Bijli scheme), launched with the promise of providing affordable solar energy to households, is facing serious hiccups in Jammu and Kashmir due to the lack of cooperation and alleged negligence on the part of the Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Corporation Limited (JKPDCL). Consumers across the Union Territory are voicing concerns over long delays, poor response from the authorities, and loopholes in the implementation process, which have diluted the spirit of the scheme.
Delay in Subsidy Disbursement
One of the major complaints from consumers is the inordinate delay in the release of state subsidy under the scheme. According to the guidelines, beneficiaries were to receive the subsidy within a stipulated timeframe to offset the initial financial burden of solar rooftop installation. However, many households have been waiting for several months without receiving a single installment. This delay has not only derailed their financial planning but also eroded their trust in the credibility of the program. Several consumers allege that despite completing the formalities, the state nodal agencies and JKPDCL have shown little urgency in ensuring timely disbursement.
Net Metering Activation Pending
Another critical loophole lies in the non-activation of net metering facilities. In several cases, consumers report that even after the installation of E-series smart meters along with rooftop solar panels, the net metering facility — which enables households to adjust excess power generation against their monthly consumption — has not been activated. Consumers said they have raised multiple service tickets with JKPDCL, but these remain unattended, leaving them unable to reap the real benefits of solar power generation. Industry experts point out that without functional net metering, the scheme’s economic viability for households diminishes drastically.
Routine Billing Despite Rooftop Solar
Adding to the woes, many beneficiaries continue to receive routine electricity bills despite having installed solar rooftop systems under the scheme. This anomaly not only creates confusion but also defeats the very purpose of promoting renewable energy as a cost-saving measure. “We were promised relief from electricity bills after installing solar systems, but every month we are being served with regular bills. It feels like nothing has changed,” lamented a consumer from Srinagar. Such discrepancies, stakeholders argue, are a clear indication of mismanagement and lack of accountability within the implementing agencies.
Consumers in Limbo
The scheme, envisioned as a transformative step toward clean and cost-free electricity for households, is increasingly becoming a source of frustration for many in J&K. Consumers allege that JKPDCL officials remain in a “deep slumber” over these grievances, showing little responsiveness despite repeated follow-ups. The lack of proper grievance redressal mechanisms has only worsened the situation, forcing beneficiaries to bear unnecessary financial and emotional stress.
Experts Call for Accountability
Energy experts warn that if these loopholes are not plugged immediately, the scheme risks losing public confidence. “The success of such flagship programs depends heavily on timely execution and consumer satisfaction. Delay in subsidies, inactive net metering, and faulty billing processes not only discourage households but also jeopardize the government’s renewable energy targets,” said a renewable energy consultant based in Jammu.
The Way Forward
Observers say the government must urgently review the ground-level functioning of the PM Suriya Mufti Bijli Yojana in J&K. Regular monitoring, transparent timelines for subsidy disbursement, immediate activation of net metering facilities, and correction of billing anomalies are essential to restore faith among consumers. Unless the authorities take swift corrective action, the promise of “Muft Bijli” will remain just a slogan, leaving thousands of households disillusioned.
