PM KUSUM Scheme for APSC Mains : It’s Components, Objectives, Benefits, Major Challenges

Central Government Schemes for APSC Mains Exam : Assam Amrit Brikha Andolan 2024 Objectives, Guidelines, Eligibility and Benefits

The Government of India has introduced a wide range of schemes and initiatives to address the social, economic, and environmental challenges faced by the state. These central government schemes are aimed at promoting sustainable development, improving the standard of living of citizens, and ensuring equitable distribution of resources. In this article, World_Polity will discuss the most important central government scheme that have been launched in recent years. These schemes cover various sectors, including healthcare, education, agriculture, employment, and infrastructure development. 

Through this article, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of PM KUSUM Scheme and it’s impact on society. Understanding the schemes is crucial for APSC aspirants, as they form an integral part of the polity and economy. You can read these central government schemes and programmes which are important for APSC Prelims and Mains Examination.

List of Schemes of Central Government for Assam Competitive Exams

Schemes of Central Government helps to understand the people of the state their objectives, priorities, and strategies of the government. It is a very informative and scoring topic for the competitive exam aspiring candidates. Being familiar with latest government schemes give candidates an edge in competitive exams by enabling them to answer questions accurately and demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the nation’s governance and development strategies.

Importance of Central Government Schemes

The government of India schemes are important for the several reasons discussed below.

• Address social and economic challenges faced by citizens

• Reduce poverty and inequality

• Promote inclusive development by targeting marginalized and disadvantaged groups

• Promote economic growth and development

• Focus on infrastructure development, such as building roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, and utilities

• Incorporate environmental conservation and sustainability objectives.

PM KUSUM Scheme for APSC Prelims & Mains Exam :: Central Government Schemes

PM KUSUM Scheme for APSC Mains : It’s Components, Objectives, Benefits, Major Challenges

The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha is also known as the Utthan Mahabhiyan (PM KUSUM) Scheme. It has been launched by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) to facilitate the installation of solar pumps and grid-connected solar and other renewable power plants across India.

The primary objective of this scheme is to augment the country’s solar and renewable energy capacity by 25,750 MW before 2022.

The scheme’s implementation will be supported by a total central financial allocation of Rs. 34,422 Crore, which includes service charges for the implementing agencies. Notably, the scheme has been extended until March 31, 2026.

The Scheme consists of Three Components ::

Component A: 10,000 MW of Decentralized Ground Mounted Grid Connected Renewable Power Plants of individual plant size up to 2 MW.

Component B: Installation of 17.50 lakh standalone Solar Powered Agriculture Pumps of individual pump capacity up to 7.5 HP.

Component C: Solarisation of 10 Lakh Grid-connected Agriculture Pumps of individual pump capacity up to 7.5 HP.

Objectives of PM-KUSUM ::

De-dieselisation of the Farm Sector: The scheme seeks to decrease reliance on diesel for irrigation by encouraging the use of solar-powered pumps and other renewable energy sources.

Increased Farmer Income: By reducing irrigation costs through solar pumps and enabling surplus solar power sales to the grid, the scheme aims to boost farmers’ income.

Water and Energy Security: Access to solar pumps and promotion of solar-based community irrigation projects aim to enhance water and energy security for farmers.

Curbing Environmental Pollution: The adoption of clean and renewable solar energy is intended to mitigate environmental pollution from conventional energy sources.

Reduced expenditure: The solar pumps will save the expenditure incurred on diesel for running diesel pumps and provide the farmers with a reliable source of irrigation through solar pumps.

Benefits of the Kusum Scheme ::

This will facilitate the decentralization of solar power production. It will help in controlling transmission losses for DISCOMS. There will be a substantial reduction in the subsidy burden on DISCOMS in the agricultural sector.

Farmers will have the opportunity to sell excess power generated by solar plants on their barren lands to the grid. This initiative will boost the emerging green economy in India. The scheme has the potential to directly generate employment.

According to available studies, approximately 24.50 job-years are created per megawatt of small-capacity solar installation. Consequently, the program is expected to generate job opportunities equivalent to 7.55 lakh job-years for both skilled and unskilled workers.

The program will also contribute to the phasing out of diesel-powered pumps in the agricultural sector in India. Additional benefits for farmers resulting from the program include water conservation, improved water security, and enhanced energy efficiency.direct employment.

Major Challenges ::

Geographical Variability: Varying solar radiation levels in different regions can impact the efficiency of solar installations and the performance of solar pumps.

Inadequate Grid Infrastructure: Weak or unreliable grid infrastructure can hinder the integration of solar power into the grid and limit the benefits for farmers.

Lack of Water Regulation: The surge in irrigation demand with solar pumps can strain groundwater resources without proper water management practices.

Conclusion ::

PM-KUSUM presents a groundbreaking opportunity to empower farmers, enhance agricultural sustainability, and accelerate India’s clean energy transition. This scheme holds immense promise for shaping a brighter future for the agricultural sector and the environment by addressing the existing challenges and ensuring effective implementation.