Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, May 3: More than 340 beneficiaries of the Phase 2 Rooftop Solar Scheme in Goa are still waiting for their State share of financial aid, even a month after the Central government released its subsidy component under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana.

While the Centre disbursed its share of the subsidies within the mandated 30-day window through the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), the State government has yet to release its share to many eligible consumers. According to officials, Rs 1.04 crore was already released to the State towards its share for disbursement to registered beneficiaries.

However, multiple vendors have confirmed that the funds have not reached consumers, some of whom have been waiting since October 2024. "The State initially cited procedural changes and glitches in the ECS mandate as reasons for the delay. But even after these issues were reportedly resolved, payments have still not been made," a vendor source said.

The subsidy process in Goa had previously been discontinued due to lack of funds, but it was revived last month with updated mechanisms under the Central scheme. A separate registration portal has also been introduced by the State’s Electricity Department, where consumers were required to pay Rs 590 as an online registration fee to access the subsidy.

Despite earlier assurances that the subsidies would be cleared by March 31, 2025, delays persist. The situation has raised serious concerns among affected residents, especially as the Centre’s share has already been credited and reflected on the State portal.

Attempts to reach Power Minister Ramakrishna Sudin Dhavalikar for comments were unsuccessful.

Currently, 400–500 consumers in Goa are registered under the rooftop solar initiative, contributing to approximately 53 MW of solar power generation in the state.