Consider the following statements about ‘PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana’ : I. It targets installation of one crore solar rooftop panels in the residential sector. II. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy aims to impart training on installation, operation, maintenance and repairs of solar rooftop systems at grassroot levels. III. It aims to create more than three lakhs skilled manpower through fresh skilling, and up-skilling, under scheme component of capacity building. Which of the statements given above are correct?

1. A. I and II only
2. B. I and III only
3. C. II and III only
4. D. I, II and III

Answer: D

Explanation

All three statements about the ‘PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana’ are correct. I. The scheme, approved in February 2024, explicitly targets the installation of one crore (10 million) solar rooftop panels in the residential sector across India by March 2027, aiming to provide free electricity to households. II. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is indeed responsible for implementing this scheme and aims to impart training at the grassroots level. This includes training for installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of solar rooftop systems to build a skilled local workforce. III. A key component of the scheme is capacity building, which aims to create over three lakh (300,000) skilled personnel through fresh skilling and up-skilling initiatives. This includes training Solar PV Technicians to support the widespread adoption of rooftop solar. Therefore, all statements are correct. Government schemes promoting renewable energy and skill development are highly relevant for UPSC, covering Environment & Ecology, Economy, and Polity & Governance.