Punjab's New and Renewable Energy Minister Aman Arora announced a state programme, Mukhya Mantri Roshan Punjab Yojna, to illuminate 13,000 villages with solar LED streetlights at an outlay of Rs 5,500 mn. The announcement was made in Jalandhar on April 12, 2026 and the scheme is expected to see the installation of over 0.3 mn solar streetlights across the state. The project is described as one of the largest rural lighting initiatives in the region and aims to provide reliable, cost-effective lighting to villages.

The state Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, approved the programme and directed implementation by the Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA). Installation will be carried out in phases between June and October 2026 and the revised funding pattern allocates 70 per cent of costs to the state government and 30 per cent to gram panchayats. Each light will be covered by a seven-year annual maintenance contract and defective units will be replaced within three days.

The system will include geo-tagging of each light, centralised monitoring through a command and control centre and an IVR helpline for complaints to ensure quick resolution. Officials indicated that past village lighting efforts amounted to around 0.114 mn streetlights over seven decades, many of which are now defunct, and that the new scheme seeks to modernise and expand the rural network. The initiative is expected to enhance safety, particularly for women, promote inclusivity and strengthen economic activity in rural areas while supporting green energy goals.

The project will be implemented in a phased manner by PEDA with installations, monitoring and maintenance managed through district teams to expedite deployment and repairs. The Minister noted that the financial burden on gram panchayats has been significantly reduced compared with earlier arrangements and that the Cabinet continues to prioritise pro-people policies and schemes. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders were present at the announcement and officials said the scheme complements other state programmes aimed at improving public services and infrastructure.