J&K misses green energy targets as Centre cancels key PM-KUSUM allocations

*Over half of rooftop solar applicants still await installations

Govind Sharma

JAMMU, Aug 4: Jammu and Kashmir has failed to make progress under key components of the Centre's flagship PM-KUSUM scheme, resulting in the cancellation of sanctioned renewable energy projects, while no projects have been approved in the Union Territory under the National Green Hydrogen Mission or the Bioenergy Programme during the last five years.

The information was provided in the Rajya Sabha by Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy and Power Shripad Yesso Naik in response to an Unstarred Question raised by Member of Parliament Ghulam Ali, who sought details regarding delays in implementation of major renewable energy programmes, including PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, PM-KUSUM, Grid Connected Rooftop Solar Programme, National Green Hydrogen Mission, Bioenergy Programme and Small Hydro Power Programme in J&K.

Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp  

In its reply, the Centre disclosed that J&K's allocation of 20 MW under PM-KUSUM Component-A and 4,000 solar pumps under Component-C was cancelled after the Union Territory failed to report any progress on these projects. The Government, however, extended the overall PM-KUSUM scheme till March 2027 for eligible projects where Power Purchase Agreements had been signed by December 31, 2025.

The Parliamentary reply also revealed that not a single project has been sanctioned in J&K under the National Green Hydrogen Mission or the Bioenergy Programme during the last five years. Additionally, the Ministry clarified that no Central financial support scheme for Small Hydro Power projects was operational during the period, limiting further expansion of renewable energy initiatives in the UT.

Despite these setbacks, the Centre has released Rs 312.66 crore to J&K over the past five years, including Rs 278.55 crore under rooftop solar programmes and Rs 34.11 crore under PM-KUSUM. However, the reply indicates that substantial financial assistance has not translated into full implementation of several sanctioned projects.

The Government further informed Parliament that 39,160 rooftop solar installations have been completed under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana and the earlier Grid Connected Rooftop Solar Programme against 85,908 applications received across the Union Territory as of July 28, 2026. This means that more than half of the applicants are still awaiting installation of rooftop solar systems despite the scheme being in operation since February 2024.

The Ministry maintained that PM Surya Ghar is a demand-driven programme and that installation timelines depend on beneficiary applications, vendors, DISCOMs and financing institutions. It added that corrective measures are being taken to streamline implementation and accelerate execution.

Under PM-KUSUM Component-B, J&K has installed 4,876 solar pumps out of an allocation of 5,000. Pulwama accounted for the highest number of installations, followed by Anantnag, Kathua and Jammu districts.

The reply underscores that while the Centre continues to provide financial support for renewable energy, delays in implementation and the cancellation of key project allocations have slowed J&K 's progress towards achieving its clean energy and sustainable agriculture objectives.