Since past 2 years all solar integrators of Maharashtra were facing lots of difficulties due to lack of a proper subsidy scheme in the residential sector. Girdhari Mantri, Chairman of  Vidarbha Industries Association CSR Forum,  Saket Suri and Amit Deotale met Hon. Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Nitin Gadkari on 30th  October and informed him about the continuous non implementation of the scheme in Maharashtra as well as other states.
The team suggested that the subsidy scheme could be successful if the state wise tendering system is stopped & the subsidy amount is credited directly to the householder. The householder may also be able to choose materials & vendors of his own choice. Gadkari discussed all the problems as well as solutions in detail & wrote a letter in line with the demands to Union Energy Minister, R K Singh.
After continuous follow-ups & review finally Union Minister, RK Singh has directed MNRE to simplify residential solar roof top subsidy scheme. He has announced that households may now install solar systems by any vendor of their choice & Discom will ensure net metering within 15 days. He also said that the householder can select solar panel & inverter of his choice & the subsidy will be credited directly to the house holder’s account within 30 days of system installation.
It is noteworthy that in protest of entire tendering system Girdhari Mantri, Chairman of VIA CSR Forum & Bhajapa Udyog Aghadi & Saket Suri of Solar Association led a team of more than 200 solar integrators from Maharashtra on 17th November by road to MSEDCL head office in “Chalo Prakashgadh†movement. The delegation reached Mumbai on 18th November & met MSEDCL CMD, Vijay Singhal. They demanded a seamless policy for subsidy scheme wherein all the solar integrators of Maharashtra are empanelled.
All solar integrators of Maharashtra mailed their complaints to MSEDCL, MNRE & Energy Minister. All round efforts by solar integrators as well as Gadkari has led to this announcement which will ensure better days ahead for solar integrators as well as public. Solar Integrators across India are thankful to Gadkari for his timely intervention & also to RK Singh for his announcement.
Photograph (L to R) :
Representatives from Maharashtra Solar Industries, Amit Arokar, Amit Deotale, Saket Suri, Girdhari Mantri met Hon’ble Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Nitin Gadkari.