Budget 2024: Sitharaman's 'Ayodhya' reference for free electricity to households

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, presenting the Union Budget 2024 in the Lok Sabha on Thursday, listed the benefits of the rooftop solarisation programme. She also referred to the consecration ceremony at Ayodhya and said the scheme follows the Prime Minister's resolve.

"Through roof-top solarisation, 1 crore households will be enabled to obtain up to 300 units of free electricity every month. This scheme follows the resolve of the Prime Minister on the historic day of the consecration of Shri Ram Mandir in Ayodhya (January 22)," the Finance Minister said.

Sitharaman's reference came as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, after returning to Delhi from Ayodhya, had said that "all devotees of the world get energy from the light of Suryavanshi Lord Shri Ram".

PM Modi had also announced the launch of 'Pradhanmantri Suryodaya Yojana' for installing rooftop solar on 1 crore houses.

"The first decision I have taken after returning from Ayodhya is that our government will launch 'Pradhanmantri Suryodaya Yojana' with the target of installing rooftop solar on 1 crore houses. This will not only reduce the electricity bill of the poor and middle class, but also make India self-reliant in the field of energy," Prime Minister Narendra Modi had posted on X.

Giving out details during her budget speech, the Finance Minister said households can save up to ₹ 18,000 a year from free solar electricity as well as selling the surplus to the distribution companies.

She also said the scheme is not only expected to result in savings for households, but also generate entrepreneurship and employment opportunities.