Amendment in Guidelines for Implementation of Awareness and Outreach component under PM Surya Ghar – EQ

Summary:

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## **1. Background**

* The **PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana** was approved on **29th February 2024**, with an **outlay of ₹75,021 crore** till FY **2026–27**.
* The goal: installation of **1 crore rooftop solar systems** for **residential households**, empowering them to generate electricity and save costs.
* Outlay includes **₹657 crore (1% of total CFA)** for *Awareness & Outreach*.
* The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) will use multiple media platforms — **print, electronic, social media, radio, door-to-door campaigns**, etc. — to promote awareness and participation.

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## **2. Scope**

* These guidelines define the **framework for planning, developing, and executing Awareness & Outreach activities** under the scheme.
* Applicable to activities proposed by **DISCOMs**, **State Nodal Agencies (SNAs)**, **NPIA**, and **other Ministries**.
* MNRE will evaluate, approve, or modify submitted outreach plans.

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## **3. Objectives**

1. **Inform consumers** about scheme benefits.
2. **Motivate residential users** to install rooftop solar systems.
3. **Simplify technical communication** for easy understanding and decision-making.

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## **4. Implementation Mechanism**

### **a. Institutional Roles**

* **National Programme Implementation Agency (NPIA):**

* Prepares & executes the **National Awareness and Outreach Plan (NAOP-PMSG)**.
* Coordinates with **State Implementation Agencies (SIAs)** and **Partner Ministries**.
* **SIAs:** Prepare **State Awareness and Outreach Plans (SAOPs)** for MNRE approval.
* **Partner Ministries:** May design **Departmental Awareness and Outreach Plans (DAOPs)** via their **Nodal Implementation Agencies (NIAs)**.

### **b. Review & Approval**

* **Awareness and Outreach Committee**, chaired by the **Mission Director (PM-Surya Ghar)**, will assess and approve all plans.
* Members include representatives from:

* MNRE Divisions (Rooftop Solar, IFD, I&PA)
* **NFDC**, **NPIA**, **SIA**, and relevant Ministries.

### **c. Implementation Flow**

* Plans (NAOP/SAOP/DAOP) → **NPIA Scrutiny** → **Committee Approval** → **Execution by Assigned Agency**.
* Execution preference to **CBC-empaneled vendors** at **Central Bureau of Communication (CBC)** standard rates.
* Non-CBC items evaluated by MNRE’s **Internal Cost Committee**.
* MNRE branding is mandatory; **no cobranding without prior approval**.

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## **5. Components of Awareness & Outreach Plans**

### **a. Electronic Media**

* TV & Cable promotions (regional dubbing).
* Audio-visual spots with testimonials & celebrity engagement.
* Radio jingles (private & All India Radio).
* Street theatre, folk performances, and expert talk shows.

### **b. Print Media**

* Newspaper & magazine ads (national/regional).
* Brochures, pamphlets, leaflets, FAQs, newsletters.
* Hoardings, bus panel ads, event coverage, and success stories.

### **c. Outdoor Publicity**

* Digital displays, banners, and hoardings at public spaces (bus stands, railway stations, offices).
* **Road shows, nukkad nataks, flash mobs** in public areas.
* **Door-to-door campaigns** via CSCs, postal staff, LPG dealers, and volunteers on MyBharat portal.
* **Urban Local Bodies (ULBs)** and **Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs)** to mobilize state/district awareness drives.

### **d. Digital & Online Campaigns**

* Social media ads (Meta, Twitter, LinkedIn).
* Web and mobile app publicity.
* Bulk SMS & email campaigns.

### **e. Capacity Building & Communication Kits**

* Development of IEC kits: posters, hoardings, banners, leaflets, films, documentaries, and success stories.
* Coverage of press conferences, conventions, and impact-assessment activities.

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## **6. Branding on Solar Rooftop Systems**

* **Scheme-specific branding** mandatory on installed systems (modules, inverters, or other equipment).
* Costs borne by **vendors**, not the government.
* Any state-level cobranding (e.g., with additional subsidy) requires **NPIA approval**.

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## **7. Financial Management**

* **Total Budget:** ₹657 crore.
* **Financial Rules:** Governed by GFR 2017 and CBC/NFDC rate norms.
* **Advance Payment:**

* Up to **40%** of approved budget can be released in advance.
* Remaining **60%** released post activity completion, submission of utilization certificate, and audit report.
* **Privately owned DISCOMs** must furnish a **bank guarantee** for advance release.
* Any interest earned on funds must be remitted to the **Consolidated Fund of India**.

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## **8. Monitoring**

* **NPIA** will coordinate and monitor implementation with:

* **Ministry of I&B**,
* **Partner Ministries**,
* **State Implementing Agencies**.
* Progress tracked through **periodic reporting** and an **activity calendar**.

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## **9. Amendments**

* MNRE may revise or clarify these guidelines as needed with approval from the **Hon’ble Minister for New & Renewable Energy**.

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