Jammu and Kashmir Government Advances Solar Power Amid Challenges in Free Electricity Promise

The Jammu and Kashmir government is addressing challenges in fulfilling its election promise of 200 units of free electricity by focusing on solar energy initiatives. Financial constraints limit free electricity to around 2.2 lakh underprivileged households, imposing a significant fiscal burden. To reduce reliance on hydropower and an erratic grid, the government is accelerating solar power adoption, including installing rooftop solar panels on over 7,800 government buildings and deploying solar lights in rural and tribal areas, aiming for cleaner, more reliable energy and cost savings.