The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Energy released a comprehensive report examining the implementation status of two flagship solar power programmes — PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan) and PM Surya Ghar (Muft Bijli Yojana). The report identified significant implementation gaps and made concrete recommendations to accelerate India's solar energy transition.

PM-KUSUM, launched in 2019, aims to solarise agriculture in India by providing solar pumps to farmers, decentralising solar power generation, and enabling farmers to sell surplus power to DISCOMs (Distribution Companies). PM Surya Ghar, launched in February 2024, targets installation of rooftop solar systems in one crore households with subsidies up to ₹78,000, aiming to provide free electricity and reduce household power bills.

The Committee's report highlighted several key implementation gaps: first, significant delays in disbursing subsidies under PM-KUSUM, with several states showing less than 30% physical progress against targets; second, insufficient Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and other key solar states showing low state-level compliance on land allocation and grid connectivity; third, a heavy dependence on imported solar panels (primarily from China), exposing the programmes to supply chain risks and undermining the government's Atmanirbhar Bharat objectives.

Among its key recommendations, the Committee called for: a dedicated scheme or programme for domestic manufacturing of polysilicon, ingots, wafers and solar glass; strengthened state-level monitoring mechanisms; improved coordination between central and state governments on grid integration; and financial incentives for domestic panel manufacturers to achieve economies of scale.

The report is significant for Rajasthan in particular, which is India's largest solar energy state by installed capacity and a key implementation state for both schemes.