Chandigarh, April 12: The Punjab Government has introduced a comprehensive solar lighting scheme designed to brighten every village in the state by the end of 2026. Minister Aman Arora stated on Sunday that the ‘Mukhya Mantri Roshan Punjab Yojna’ will deploy 3 lakh solar LED lights, a move intended to provide reliable, zero-cost electricity for rural public spaces.
Addressing the media in Jalandhar, Arora declared that the initiative is a game-changer for village security and safety. He maintained that the state government has prioritized pro-people policies, such as this ₹550-crore project, to ensure that rural areas are not left behind in the transition to green energy. The Minister stated that the previous funding model, which required panchayats to pay 70 percent of installation costs, had been discarded in favor of a government-led 70 percent contribution.
The operational plan involves advanced digital monitoring to ensure long-term functionality. Arora affirmed that a central command and control center will utilize geo-tagging to oversee the entire network. He maintained that the inclusion of a mandatory seven-year maintenance period ensures that the infrastructure will not fall into disrepair. “The Punjab Government always prioritises development and pro-people initiatives,” Arora stated, noting that malfunctions must be addressed within three days of a complaint.
This announcement follows several other welfare measures, including health and education initiatives, aimed at holistic state development. Arora stated that the installation phase will begin in June 2026 and conclude by October. He affirmed that the transition to solar technology aligns with the state’s broader goals of boosting renewable energy production and reducing the carbon footprint of public utilities while empowering local communities.
