The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has allocated an additional financial outlay of ₹9.15 billion (~$108.82 million) to provide off-grid solar systems for 100,000 households in particularly vulnerable tribal group areas (PVTG).

The program will be executed under the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN) and Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan (PM JUGA).

The program has been introduced along with the continued allocation of funds of ₹241.04 billion (~$2.86 billion) under the previous program.

Previously, under the PM JUGA, ₹4 billion (~$ 47.56 million) was also allocated to provide off-grid solar power plants in 2,000 public institutions.

The program, under the PM JANMAN  involves providing off-grid solar lighting in 1,500 multi-purpose centers (MPCs) in PVTG areas. It also seeks to solarize  2,000 public institutions through off-grid solar systems, as authorized under PM JUGA.

The off-grid solar systems will be provided only where electricity supply through the grid is not techno-economically feasible.

The financial outlay approved for the program under PM JANMAN and PM JUGA is given below:

The funds for implementing the program would be met from the MNRE’s Development Action Plan for Schedule Tribes.

The year-wise fund allocation will be as follows:

The approvals already issued under the previous program for PVTG habitations/villages under PM JANMAN will be continued and considered under the new program.

In 2023, the Union Cabinet approved a total outlay of ₹241.04 billion (~$2.86 billion) with a central share of ₹153.36 billion (~$1.82 billion) and a state share of ₹ 87.68 billion (~$1.04 million) under the previous program. The program focused on 11 critical interventions through nine-line ministries for implementation.

The program covers the electrification of 100,000 unelectrified households in PVTG areas in 18 states and UTs of Andaman & Nicobar Islands by providing off-grid solar systems and solar lighting in 1,500 multi-purpose centers in PVTG areas.

In January 2024, MNRE received the President of India’s approval to implement a new solar power program with an outlay of ₹5.15 billion (~$61.9 million) for PVTG habitations and villages under PM JANMAN.

In March 2024, the ministry amended the guidelines for implementing the solar power program for PVTG habitations/villages PM JANMAN.