Correspondent
DIMAPUR/Wokha, Oct 14 (NPN): Seva Setu Abhiyan under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSG: MBY) was launched simultaneously across Nagaland districts on October 14, 2026, with awareness and facilitation camps organised to promote rooftop solar installations and household energy self reliance.
In Kohima, the three-day camp organised by the Department of Power, aims to create awareness and assist eligible households with registration, application procedures and installation guidance. The camp also facilitates on spot registration for consumers.
Providing details, principal secretary, Power, Dr. KD Vizo, ITS, urged residents to avail the benefits of solar energy, highlighting central and state subsidies, banking facilities and potential savings on electricity costs. He said solar energy could help reduce government expenditure on power purchase while enabling consumers to benefit from excess generation. He also stressed the need for greater public awareness and adoption of on grid, off grid and hybrid solar systems.
Chief Engineer, D&R, Department of Power, Er. Lobosang Jamir, informed that consumers could avail subsidies up to Rs. 85,800 from the Centre and Rs. 50,000 from the State, amounting to a total of Rs. 1,35,800 for eligible installations. He encouraged citizens to take advantage of the scheme, valid until March 2027, and visit the roadshow for on spot registration and guidance.
In Dimapur, the camp was held at the DC’s Office Complex, Purana Bazar, from October 14 to 16. Delivering the introductory speech, Executive Engineer, Electrical Division Dimapur, Er. Lhuvoyi, said the scheme aims to bridge the gap between government welfare programmes and citizens by creating awareness and facilitating access to benefits. He noted that while the national target was to cover one crore households, Nagaland had achieved only 5-6% of its 10,000 household target, with about 500 households covered so far. He urged participants to spread awareness and avail subsidies to reduce electricity expenses.
The programme was formally inaugurated by DC Dimapur, Dr. Tinojongshi Chang, who encouraged citizens to take advantage of the scheme, stressing that subsidies from both the Centre and State were available only until March. He added that surplus electricity generated could be fed back into the grid, benefiting the wider community. The programme was chaired by SDO (Electrical), Er. Orenvungo S. Ovung, and featured speeches by beneficiaries, vendors and bank representatives.
In Wokha, the Seva Setu Abhiyan was launched in Wokha district at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall on October 14, with Deputy Commissioner Wokha, K. Mhathung Tsanglao, inaugurating the scheme.
Speaking at the programme, Executive Engineer, Power Department Wokha, Er. Chenosing Kemp, highlighted the benefits of residential rooftop solar systems. He informed that the scheme provides subsidies for installation and enables consumers to reduce electricity expenses. Kemp stated that consumers could install rooftop solar systems through authorised suppliers and avail bank loan facilities. He added that surplus electricity exported to the grid would fetch around Rs. 2 per unit, with the amount credited directly to the consumer’s bank account.
Pointing out that limited adoption of rooftop solar systems was partly due to lack of awareness, Kemp emphasised the need to promote solar energy as a clean and renewable source of power. He also gave a presentation on the scheme’s features and benefits.
Encouraging citizens to avail the scheme, Deputy Commissioner Tsanglao stressed the importance of responsible electricity consumption. He observed that greater awareness of power usage and billing practices could help reduce wastage and improve energy management. Sharing his experience with smart meter billing, Tsanglao said consumers paid only for the electricity they used, which encouraged more conscious consumption. He added that wider adoption of rooftop solar systems could contribute to efficient power management. The programme was chaired by Junior Engineer, Power Department Wokha, Er. N. Chichamo Humtsoe, and attended by Wokha Town councillors, colony union and council chairpersons, and representatives of Nexgen Solution, who also delivered a presentation.
In Mokokchung, the Abhiyan was inaugurated at the DC’s Office Compound by SDO (Civil), Ajay Moktan. He highlighted the benefits of rooftop solar systems in reducing electricity bills and informed that subsidies covering 70-80% of costs were directly transferred to beneficiaries’ accounts. Beneficiaries shared testimonies, including one who reported a reduction in monthly electricity bills from Rs.1700 to Rs. 230 after installation. Executive Engineer, Electrical Division Mokokchung, Er. Chutsusie Thowachu, observed that rising demand for energy required alternative sources, with solar energy promoted as a sustainable option. He informed that RTS installation was currently limited to domestic use and urged citizens to register at the facilitation centre set up at the DC’s Office Complex from October 14 to 16.
The Seva Setu Abhiyan, organised under the Nagaland Solar Mission, aims to encourage renewable energy adoption, reduce dependence on conventional electricity and promote sustainable living. Subsidies are available until March 31, 2027, with free maintenance for five years by empanelled vendors.