(a) whether any specific provisions have been made under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar
Mission (JNNSM) for backward States in the country including Bihar where there is a shortage
of power;
(b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
(c) whether any special facilities would be provided under this Mission to
the people living in rural areas and those living below poverty line; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY (DR. FAROOQ ABDULLAH)
(a),(b),(c)&(d): The Government has recently approved the first phase of the Jawaharlal Nehru
National Solar Mission (JNNSM) till March, 2013 under which preferential tariff for solar grid
power has been envisaged. For solar lights in settlements without access to grid electricity
and for stand-alone rural solar power plants in Special Category States and remote & difficult
areas such as Lakshdweep, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Ladakh region of Jammu & Kashmir and Border
Areas, 90% subsidy will be provided. Further, upto 30% capital subsidy would be considered for
innovative off-grid applications of solar energy. No specific provision has been made under
the JNNSM for State of Bihar or for the people living in rural areas and those living below
the poverty line.