PM Surya Ghar and KUSUM Schemes Aim to Build Self Reliance, Says Piyush Goyal

Focus on Empowerment Over Freebies at Vibrant Gujarat Conference​

Rajkot, January 12: Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Monday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi believes in empowering citizens through structured schemes rather than offering long term freebies.

Addressing a seminar on the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and the PM KUSUM Yojana at the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference in Rajkot, Goyal said both initiatives were personally designed by the Prime Minister and reflect a philosophy centered on participation and accountability.

Citizens Encouraged to Have Personal Stake​

The Union Minister said the government does not support schemes that create long term dependence without public involvement. He stressed that individuals should have a personal stake in initiatives meant for public benefit, highlighting that empowerment comes when people actively participate rather than relying entirely on government support.

Referring to the Surya Ghar Yojana, Goyal said the scheme enables households to generate their own electricity through rooftop solar installations. While the government facilitates the infrastructure, a portion of the cost is borne by the individual, ensuring involvement and responsibility.

Rooftop Solar to Ensure Energy Security​

According to Goyal, the Surya Ghar Yojana allows households to meet their own power needs and feed surplus electricity into the grid. He said this approach ensures uninterrupted electricity supply and reduces dependence on external sources.

He added that with the inclusion of a small battery backup, households can achieve round the clock energy self sufficiency, without fear of power cuts or reduced supply over time.

KUSUM Scheme Empowers Farmers​

Drawing a parallel, Goyal said the PM KUSUM Yojana has been designed to make farmers self reliant by enabling them to generate solar power for agricultural use. He noted that the scheme supports farmers in managing energy needs independently while contributing to sustainable practices.

Innovative Approach to Public Welfare​

Goyal said both schemes stand out for their innovative design and focus on empowerment rather than entitlement. He added that such initiatives are expected to strengthen public confidence and encourage a culture of self reliance across households and the agricultural sector.

He concluded by stating that these initiatives are tools for long term empowerment and are aligned with the government’s vision of building a confident and self sufficient population.