In a bid to boost the implementation of the Nagaland Solar Mission, state chief secretary J. Alam Friday led a sensitization programme in Dimapur aimed at mobilizing support from civil society organizations (CSOs), Dimapur Municipal Council, GBs’ union, bankers, and empanelled vendors.
A sensitisation programme on Nagaland Solar Mission (NSM) in convergence with PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSG: MBY) was held in the conference hall of DC office here.
Briefing media after the programme, chief secretary Dr. J Alam highlighted the state’s ambitious target of covering more than 10,000 households under the rooftop solar scheme. “We are optimistic that over 50% of this target can be achieved from Dimapur alone.
That is why it was important to engage local stakeholders and solicit their support,” Alam stated.
He said that rooftop solar initiative offered a highly subsidized opportunity for households, with central subsidies covering more than 90% of the cost for installations up to 3 kilowatts.
“This initiative presents a win-win situation for consumers. Not only is the upfront cost heavily subsidized, but beneficiaries will also enjoy reduced electricity bills,” he added.
State chief secretary urged the public to begin registering themselves on the national solar portal – www.pmsuryaghar.gov.in. “The sooner people register, the quicker the vendors will reach out with quotations, and through competition, the prices will become more affordable,” Alam informed. He also pointed out that increased registration numbers would guide the government in provisioning sufficient subsidies.
The chief secretary also informed that Nagaland currently imports nearly 90% of its electricity from other states. “Even if we can supplement just 10-15% of our demand through solar, it would be a substantial addition to our energy security,” Alam said. He disclosed that the state government has agreed to provide an additional subsidy to support the initiative.
Additional chief engineer (D&R) Er. R. Lobosang Jamir clarified that the meeting was primarily focused on rooftop solar installations. While some empanelled vendors – both state and national – were present, a lack of transparent pricing by certain state vendors caused confusion among potential consumers.
“To address this, the solar mission office has issued a directive that all vendors must publicly display their pricing. Failure to do so will result in cancellation of their empanelment,” Jamir stated. He also informed that several vendors have now displayed their rates, allowing consumers to make more informed and cost-effective decisions.
Underscoring the importance of vendors quoting prices near the government’s benchmark cost, Jamir said “For instance, a 3-kilowatt system should ideally be priced around ₹1.66 lakh. If any vendor quotes significantly above this, action will be taken.”
Reiterating chief secretary’s statement, Jamir informed about the state’s target of achieving 32 megawatts of rooftop solar capacity by 2026-27. Highlighting the state’s energy woes, he said, “We are currently facing power shortages of 30% during the hydro season and up to 50% during lean seasons. Daily loadshedding has become common, and solar energy can significantly reduce this burden.”
Addressing concerns of preferential treatment to Dimapur in power distribution, Jamir clarified that while Dimapur was a priority, a balancing act was necessary due to the surging demand across districts. “Our power demand has grown from 180 MW to nearly 190 MW. Solar energy will play a vital role in meeting this increasing demand,” he maintained.
He further reiterated that the registration process for rooftop solar was online via the PM Surya Ghar portal. “If consumers face difficulties, both the department and vendors are responsible for assisting them,” he assured.
CS allays fears over Assam gun licence policy
Amid concern among people especially those living near interstate border areas over Assam government’s decision to give arms licences to indigenous people living in “vulnerable and remote” areas, the State chief secretary J. Alam has assured citizens that the state government was actively monitoring the situation and prioritizing the safety of those living along the border.
The Assam government decision triggered unease among residents in Nagaland’s bordering areas who feared that issuing gun licences to civilians could lead to tension and conflict.
Addressing media persons on sidelines of an event here Friday, chief secretary stated that the issue came to the notice of the Nagaland government on the morning of May 29. “Immediately upon receiving the information, I spoke with the chief secretary of Assam and conveyed our concerns regarding the implications such a move could have on the interstate border,” Alam said.
Further, the chief secretary informed that Assam government has since issued a clarification, stating that the gun licence initiative was intended for vulnerable areas but would not include any regions along the Assam-Nagaland border. “They have categorically denied plans to issue arms licenses in the interstate border areas,” Alam said.
Following the clarification, Alam assured that Nagaland government remained vigilant. “If any such development arises in the future that threatens the safety and security of our people, the state government will not hesitate to take up the matter directly with the Government of Assam,” he affirmed.
He also emphasized the state’s commitment to maintaining peace and security, especially in sensitive and historically tense border areas.