MNRE Warns Public Against Fraudulent Websites Under KUSUM Scheme

MNRE warns public against fake websites under the KUSUM scheme.

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)  has in its latest advisory warned the general public against fraudulent websites for registration under the Kisan Urja Suraksha exam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (KUSUM) scheme.

“It has been noticed that few websites have cropped up claiming to be registration portal for KUSUM Scheme. Such websites are potentially duping the general public and misusing data captured through fake registration portal,” the ministry has issued.

It further added that the MNRE hereby advises all potential beneficiaries and the general public to avoid depositing any registration fee or share their data on such websites. They may contact their DISCOMs / State Renewable Energy Nodal Agencies for any information in this regard. Any suspected fraudulent website if noticed by anyone may be reported to MNRE.

KUSUM was approved for farmers for installation of solar pumps and grid-connected solar power plants. Administrative approval for the scheme has been issued by the MNRE on March 8, 2019. Distribution companies and state nodal agencies will be implementing this scheme for which the detailed guidelines will be issued shortly.

Recently, MNRE had issued a notice inviting suggestions and comments from stakeholders on the draft guidelines for implementation of the scheme for farmers for installation of solar pumps and grid-connected solar power plants.

The draft guidelines for the scheme have been prepared by the ministry and opened for consultations. Stakeholders are requested to send their comments/suggestions/views on the above-mentioned guidelines, in enclosed format, latest by March 22, 2019.

The Government of India launched the KUSUM Scheme with the following components:

1. Component-A: Setting up of 10,000 MW of Decentralised Ground/ Stilt Mounted Grid Connected Solar or other Renewable Energy-based Power Plants;

2. Component-B: Installation of 17.50 Lakh Stand-alone Solar Agriculture Pumps; and,

3. Component-C: Solarisation of 10 Lakh Grid Connected Agriculture Pumps.

The Component-A and Component-C will be implemented initially on pilot mode for 1000 MW capacity and one lakh grid connected agriculture pumps respectively and Component-B will be implemented in a full-fledged manner with total Central Government support of Rs 19,036.5 Crore.

After successful implementation of the pilot project of Components A and C, the same shall be scaled up with necessary modifications based on the learning from the pilot phase with total Central Government support of Rs 15,385.5 Crores.

All three components of the scheme aim to add Solar capacity of 25,750 MW by 2022 with the total Central Financial Support of Rs 34,422 crore.