Punjab demands Centre to give financial assistance to set up solar-enabled agriculture pump sets
The Hindu
Minister writes to Centre to include the State under the ambit of the PM-KUSUM Scheme
The Punjab Government has sought Central Financial Assistance (CFA) under the PM-KUSUM Scheme to facilitate solar-enabled agriculture pump sets up to 15 Horse Power (HP) capacity in the State.
In his letter to R.K. Singh, Minister for Power and New-Renewable Energy (GoI), the State’s New and Renewable Energy Sources Minister Aman Arora pointed out that Punjab had been kept out of the ambit of the scheme. He said though the Centre made a provision for providing CFA to the farmers of the northeast and hilly States for agriculture pumps up to 15HP capacity on August 1, 2022, the facility is available only for agri-pumps up to 7.5HP in Punjab.
“Punjab was the pioneer State in Green Revolution, and is rightly known as the food bowl of India. Thus, farmers of the State deserve to avail the benefits of the scheme. Punjab is predominantly an agrarian State, and around 14 lakh electric motor pumps and 1.50 lakh diesel pump sets are used for irrigation in the State,” he said.
The Minister said the capacity of the majority of pumps ranges from 10HP to 15HP in the State. “The cost to solarise these pumps would be very high and out of the reach of the farmers. Hence, the CFA is required to be provided for higher capacity pumps,” he added.
He pointed out that the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has been providing 30% CFA for solarisation of pump sets of capacity up to 7.5HP under Component-B and C of the PM-KUSUM Scheme. The MNRE has allocated targets for solarisation of 50,000 off grid solar pumps under Component-B and 1.25 lakh electric motor pump sets under Component-C to Punjab.
M. Suhaib, Additional District Judge, Kozhikode, suspended for alleged misconduct towards female court employee in official chamber.
Foundation laid for new auditorium at Sivakasi Government Arts and Science College with financial support from local businesses.
Telangana to introduce new clean energy policy to meet rising energy demands sustainably, aiming for 20,000 MW renewable capacity by 2030.
The girl, who was admitted to Aster CMI Hospital with alarming breathlessness and significant pallor, was diagnosed with Wegener’s Granulomatosis (now known as Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis or GPA), a rare autoimmune condition that causes spontaneous bleeding in the lungs, leading to acute respiratory failure.
Puzhal prison officials investigate fire accident that destroyed old files and cardboard boxes, possibly caused by prisoners.
ACB files case against IPS officer N. Sanjay in Andhra Pradesh. The official is accused of manipulating the tender processes for awarding contract for development and maintenance of AGNI-NOC portal, and conducting awareness meetings for SC/STs. It is alleged that the total value of properties stolen, or involved in the case is estimated at ₹1,75,86,600.
The holiday season spanning from Christmas to New Year has seen a surge in tourists visiting Mysuru with the hospitality sector announcing 100 per cent occupancy for the entire duration.
BJP leader and former MP, Prathap Simha, has backed the Mysuru City Corporation’s (MCC) proposal to name a stretch of KRS road in the city after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
Tourists flock to Visakhapatnam and Alluri Sitharama Raju districts for holidays, leading to full occupancy in hotels and attractions.
Umayalpuram Swaminatha Iyer's legacy in music and teachings remembered through stories and memories of his disciples and students.
Kalaburagi District Police Dog Squad bids emotional farewell to Reeta, a crucial part of operations and investigations.