Karnataka solar scheme: ‘Muft Bijli’ confusion triggers 95% backlog; vendor delays, deposit defaults add to woes

BENGALURU: Besides being overshadowed by the state govt’s Gruha Jyothi scheme, implementation of the Centre’s PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana rooftop solar project has suffered in Karnataka due to widespread confusion around its title — ‘Muft Bijli Yojana’ (free power scheme). It has resulted in a massive backlog of applications across electricity supply company (Escom).

Data as of Aug from the energy department reveals an average backlog of 95% across Escoms — meaning only five of every 100 applications under the scheme have been processed.