Over 1,500 PVTG homes to receive solar electrification across 173 settlements by February 2025 

 

Deep within the verdant heartlands of Chhattisgarh, where darkness once dictated the rhythm of life, a quiet revolution is unfolding under the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Adhikar Mahaabhiyan (PM Janman) initiative. In a state known for its vibrant tribal culture, 1,578 homes of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) are being illuminated by the gentle glow of solar power, heralding a future of empowerment and hope. Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in November 2023, PM Janman is not merely about electrifying homes—it is about igniting aspirations. Under the astute leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, this initiative has transformed remote villages into beacons of progress. CREDA CEO Rajesh Singh Rana shared that, to date, 210 homes in Kabirdham and Surguja districts have been electrified using 300-watt solar home lighting systems.

 

By February 2025, 173 hamlets across 17 districts will bask in newfound light, ending generations of reliance on kerosene lamps and candles. The success of this initiative is not confined to numbers. It resonates in the stories of its beneficiaries. Among them, Jagatin Bai Baiga from Patpari village and Titri Bai Baiga and Bali Bai Baiga from Teliyapani-Ledra village will share their transformative experiences directly with the President of India during the Republic Day celebrations. Their selection is a testament to the profound impact of this initiative in elevating lives from shadows into the light. The journey to renewable empowerment has been as much about meticulous planning as it has been about execution. CREDA CEO Rana’s leadership has ensured that challenges are met with innovative solutions. A recent state-wide review emphasised the significance of the Saur Samadhan mobile app, which empowers users to report technical issues with solar systems.

 

“Resolving these complaints with precision and timeliness is not just a task but a commitment to the people we serve,” noted CREDA officials during a review meeting. Beyond individual homes, the initiative is expanding into community spaces. Solar-powered water systems under the Jal Jeevan Mission and the Solar High Mast initiative aim to redefine the infrastructure of rural Chhattisgarh. In the words of Rana, “Every solar panel installed represents a step toward self-reliance, sustainability, and a brighter future for our people.”