KUSUM scheme

Why in news?

• Prime minister Narendra modi had mentioned KUSUM scheme  at the World Solar Technology Summit (WSTS) organised by International Solar Alliance.
• KUSUM is acronym for Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evem Utthan Mahabhiyan (PM KUSUM).

Aim of KUSUM:

• To encourage solar power production to help farmers.
• It would encourage decentralization of solar production by incentivizing farmers to shift to renewable energy.
• It will also help reduce the agricultural power subsidy burden of governments primarily used to operate water pumps.

Four components:

• Grid-connected solar power plants each of capacity up to 2 MW in the rural areas.
• Standalone off-grid solar water pumps to fulfill irrigation needs of farmers not connected to grid.
• Solarization of existing grid-connected agriculture pumps to make farmers independent of grid supply and also enable them to sell surplus solar power generated to DISCOM and get extra income.
• Solarization of tube-wells and lift irrigation projects of Government sector.
• Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is implementing the scheme.

Funding:

• Government will provide 60% subsidy on solar pumps to farmers.
• It will be shared between Centre and States while 30% will be provided through bank loans.
• The balance cost will be borne by farmers.

PRELIMS QUESTION

Consider the following statements on KUSUM scheme of government of India:
1.Government will provide 60% subsidy on solar pumps provided under the scheme.
2.Whole cost of the scheme will be borne by the central government.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a)1 only
(b)2 only
(c)Both 1 and 2
(d)Neither 1 nor 2

 Answer to prelims question