Modi gov slammed for 'Cavalier implementation' of PM-KUSUM by Congress

05 Aug 2024 CW Team

The Congress party criticised the Central government over the implementation of the PM-KUSUM initiative, which was launched in 2019 to boost the use of solar energy in agriculture across the country. Congress General Secretary in charge of communications, Jairam Ramesh, highlighted the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy's recent report revealing significant shortcomings in the scheme's execution.

Ramesh noted that PM-KUSUM, introduced with much fanfare, has fallen short of its targets as it approaches its 2026 completion deadline. He shared several key metrics illustrating the scheme's underperformance:

- Promise: Installation of 10,000 MW decentralised solar power plants on agricultural land.
Reality: Only 256 MW has been installed, just 2.56% of the target.
- Promise: Installation of 14 lakh solar pumps.
Reality: 397,000 solar pumps have been installed, approximately 28% of the target.
- Promise: Solarisation of 3.5 million additional pumps.
Reality: Only 13,562 pumps have been solarised, 0.38% of the target.
Ramesh emphasised that the only metric showing any respectable progress is the installation of solar pumps. However, he pointed out that many of these installations have been concentrated in three states: Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra. Notably, these states were governed by Congress or coalition partners for much or most of the 2019-2024 period.
Ramesh stressed the importance of transitioning to renewable energy sources for India's economic and environmental goals. He criticised the Modi government for its "cavalier" approach to implementing crucial schemes like PM-KUSUM, urging a more diligent and effective execution to meet the country's renewable energy targets.

(Source: ET)

Resources

04 Jun 2026

ULCCS Showcases Cooperative Model at UN Symposium

Uralungal Labour Contract Co-operative Society (ULCCS) showcased its community-led development model at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, where it participated as a panellist at the International Symposium on Cooperative Financial Institutions held on 28–29 May 2026.Jointly organised by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), the International Cooperative Banking Association (ICBA), and the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), the symposium was held under the theme ‘Fuelling Inclusive and Equitable Growth’ and brought together policymakers,..

Delhi Airport to Finalise 20-Year Master Plan

Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) is finalising a 20-year master plan to guide long term infrastructure and operational development at Indira Gandhi International Airport, an official said. The operator expects the plan to reflect changes in the airline industry, shifts in the competitive landscape and evolving infrastructure requirements across terminals, airside and support services. The official said the document is likely to be ready in the next two to two-and-a-half months as the operator moves through planning stages. The plan will be prepared after consultations with airport users ..

Aadhar Housing Finance Targets Rs 500 bn AUM By FY29

Aadhar Housing Finance has set a target to raise its asset under management to Rs 500 billion (bn) by the end of FY29, aiming to achieve this over the next three financial years through an 18-20 per cent loan growth trajectory. The firm focuses on the low-income segment with a ticket size of less than Rs 1.5 million (mn) and has relied on that segment to drive expansion. The company closed FY26 with an AUM of Rs 305.71 bn, reflecting the expansion in recent years, and it reported a net profit rise of 22 per cent to Rs 11.08 bn. Management indicated that gross non-performing assets stood at 1.0..