Jalandhar : Punjab’s New and Renewable Energy Minister Aman Arora on Sunday announced that the Punjab Government has launched a unique initiative, ‘Mukhya Mantri Roshan Punjab Yojna’, to illuminate all villages across the state with solar-powered LED streetlights at an outlay of Rs. 550 crore.
Addressing a press conference at the local Circuit House, the Minister described the project as one of the biggest rural lighting initiatives, under which more than 3 lakh solar LED lights will be installed across Punjab.
Mr. Arora said that the state Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has approved the programme on Saturday to ensure reliable and cost-effective lighting in villages.
He said solar streetlights are preferred due to their zero electricity cost, reliability and suitability for rural areas. The project will be implemented by the Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA), with installation to be carried out in a phased manner between June and October 2026. The scheme will follow a revised funding pattern, with 70 per cent contribution from the state government and 30 per cent from gram panchayats.
Highlighting the significance of the initiative, the Minister said that in the past 70 years, only around 1.14 lakh streetlights were installed in villages, many of which are now defunct. Under the new scheme, all lights will be installed with a seven-year annual maintenance contract, ensuring replacement within three days in case of malfunction. The system will include geo-tagging of each light, centralised monitoring through a command and control centre, and an IVR helpline for lodging complaints.
Punjab’s New Solar Streetlight Scheme to Feature Geo-Tagging, 7-Year Maintenance, and 3-Day Fault Repair System
Mr. Arora said the initiative would enhance safety, especially for women, promote inclusivity, and improve living standards in rural areas. He added that the Punjab Government is also working on several solar projects to boost green energy production in the state.
Terming the scheme a game-changer, he said it will not only improve security but also strengthen economic activities in villages across the state.
The Minister said that the Punjab Cabinet consistently prioritises pro-people policies and initiatives in its meetings including Mukhya Mantri Sehat Yojna, Free Electricity, Mavan Dhiyan Satkar Yojna, construction of over 9000 stadiums in Punjab, and many more to make Rangla Punjab as envisioned by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. He highlighted that under the ‘Mukhya Mantri Roshan Punjab Yojna’, the financial burden on gram panchayats has been significantly reduced. Earlier, panchayats had to bear 70 per cent of the cost for installing streetlights, but now the state government will bear 70 per cent of the expenditure, while only 30 per cent will be contributed by the panchayats. On the occasion AAP leaders Atam Prakash Bablu, Tarundeep Singh were also present.