J&K Govt Issues Major Update on Free 200-Unit Electricity Scheme: Check If You’re Eligible
Srinagar, Oct 28: The Jammu and Kashmir government has officially clarified that the long-promised 200 units of free electricity will not be given immediately; instead, it will begin only after rooftop solar systems are installed under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana.
The clarification came through a written reply in the Legislative Assembly to a question raised by MLA Waheed Parra, confirming that the much-awaited scheme will directly benefit 2.22 lakh families across the Union Territory, all of whom fall under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) category; the poorest households identified under the National Food Security Act.
According to the government, each selected home will receive a 2-kilowatt rooftop solar system, capable of generating the promised 200 units of free electricity per month. However, the implementation process is still in its preparatory stage.
> “The Detailed Project Reports and tendering process for installation are currently under preparation in the respective DISCOMs,” the official reply noted.
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has already granted in-principle approval to implement the scheme through the RESCO/Utility-Led Aggregation (ULA) model; a structure designed to ensure financial sustainability and prevent any burden on power distribution companies.
Once the rooftop systems are operational, AAY families in Kashmir and Jammu divisions will start receiving free power supply every month, marking a significant relief amid rising electricity tariffs and increasing living costs.
Officials said the delay in rollout is due to technical and procedural steps, including the preparation of project reports, finalization of tenders, and groundwork for setting up the Utility-Led Aggregation model.
The reply further mentioned that 6.52 lakh smart meters have already been installed across Jammu and Kashmir, including 2.81 lakh in just the last two years, under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) and the Prime Minister’s Development Package (PMDP).
Addressing concerns about privatization, the government clarified that no proposal exists to privatize the installation, operation, or maintenance of smart meters. Instead, private firms have been hired solely for technical implementation under strict regulatory oversight, ensuring accountability and transparency.
The new solar-linked electricity benefit scheme is expected to transform the way energy is distributed among the poorest sections, empowering them with sustainable, renewable power — though the wait for “Muft Bijli” continues until the infrastructure is in place.
