Telangana Government to set up 1000 MW solar plant through women SHG

The Telangana government has set a target to install an additional 1000 MW of solar power in the state through women self-help group (SHG) under its Indira Mahila Shakti Scheme. This was announced by the Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka while addressing the state District Collectors through video conferencing.

The Indira Mahila Shakti Scheme of the Telangana government was launched in March 2024 by the state Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy. The scheme seeks to uplift and empower the women of the state by providing aid and skill training through women self help groups.

The Telangana government plans to integrate the solar power generation scheme with the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) scheme.

About the PM -KUSUM Scheme

ThePradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) scheme was launched by the government of India in March, 2019 with an objective to encourage the farmers to install solar power plants or other renewable energy plants on their agricultural fields  to meet their power needs for running tube wells and other agricultural implements.

Farmers can set up solar power plants upto 2 MW on their own land or in partnership with other farmers /cooperatives etc . 

The  surplus power is purchased by a power distribution company from the farmer. The central government provides assistance in setting up the solar power plant.

Land Requirement for the Telangana Power Project 

The Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka also asked the state district collectors to identify 4000 acres of land for the installation of the 1000 MW of solar power plant.

At least 4 acres of land is required for installation of one  MW of solar power plants.

Priority will be given for the vacant government lands, areas managed by Temple Endowment and Irrigation Departments and tribal lands under the Recognition of Forest Rights.

 Support from the Government 

The state government will provide interest free loans through the banks and will  support the women self help group for installing solar power plants under the initiative.

About Self Help Group (SHG)

According to the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) a self help group is a small informal group of 10-20 individuals who come from the same social and economic background living in the same village or locality.

In the hilly areas ,tribal dominated regions,a minimum 5 members are required to form a SHGs.

Financing facilities are provided to these SHGs for income generating activities and social activities like building houses,marriage,education etc.