As ‘Suryavanshi Shri Ram’ Inspires Modi, Sitharaman Adds Ayodhya Mandir-like Plan in Her Budget

At the interim budget for 2024, that was presented ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman mentioned the promise made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on reducing electricity bill for the poor, after the Pran Pratistha ceremony that was conducted at Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir on January 22.

While listing out the benefits that are expected from the rooftop solarisation programme on Thursday, the Finance Minister said that the Prime Minister’s “resolve” to bring about the scheme after the historic consecration ceremony is leading to its implementation.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had given an indication that the move was inspired by the realisation that “all devotees of the world get energy from the light of Suryavanshi Lord Shri Ram”.

Taking to X soon after the Pran Pratistha cermony, PM Modi said, “All the devotees of the world always get energy from the light of Suryavanshi Lord Shri Ram. Today, on the auspicious occasion of consecration in Ayodhya, my resolution got further strengthened that the people of India should have their own solar roof top system on the roof of their 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 will also make India self-reliant in the energy sector.”

She further mentioned that the scheme is not only expected to result in savings for households, as it will also generate opportunities for entrepreneurship and employment.

Households can save up to Rs 18,000 per year from the free solar electricity that will be provided along with the surplus to the distribution companies, the finance minister added.