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Punjab News: Punjab New and Renewable Energy Sources Minister Aman Arora announced that the Punjab government will install 3 lakh new LED-based solar street lights at a cost of Rs 470 crore to illuminate every village across the state. To improve the rural infrastructure in all the 23 districts of the state, the State Government is equipping Gram Panchayats with clean energy to improve security, infrastructure and sustainable development in rural areas.

Addressing a press conference after handing over the work order to the seven selected agencies at Punjab Bhawan, Aman Arora said that 70 percent of the cost of this project will be borne by the state government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, while the remaining 30 percent will be borne by the gram panchayats. A major change has been made in the earlier 30:70 ratio, which will provide relief to the village institutions from the financial burden. This decision has been taken keeping in mind the limited financial resources at the Panchayat level and to ensure equal opportunity to all Panchayats to participate in the programme.

Boost to rural economy of the state

Aman Arora said that this initiative reflects the commitment of the Chief Minister Mann led Punjab Government towards enhancing security, improving rural infrastructure and promoting clean energy in Gram Panchayats. 62.51 percent of the population of Punjab i.e. about 173.20 lakh people live in rural areas. Dark streets increase the risk of accidents and crime, while economic and social activities are limited after sunset, disproportionately affecting women, children and the elderly. This project will also help in increasing the working hours in the villages located near big economic centres, which will boost the rural economy of the state.

Overseeing comprehensive repairs and renovations

Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) will act as the nodal agency for the implementation of this initiative. It will oversee the installation of new solar street lights as well as extensive repairs and renovation of existing lights. He further said that based on the feedback from the Panchayats, the period of maintenance support has been increased from five years to seven years to ensure long-term functionality.

Geo-tagging and unique identification of street lights

Giving details about the administrative framework, Aman Arora said that several steps have been taken to ensure transparency and accountability in the programme, including geo-tagging and unique identification of each street light, QR codes and IVRS-based grievance redressal and remote monitoring systems to track the functionality. The system will also issue automated Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC) alerts to ensure repairs within 72 hours of any breakdown.

Commitment to holistic rural development

Aman Arora said that for installing lights, priority will be given to public places like village streets, schools, Anganwadi centres, government health facilities, religious institutions and densely populated areas. This approach will highlight the Punjab Government’s commitment towards overall rural development while also ensuring that the homes of the most vulnerable sections of the society are illuminated.

Option for pillarless lights included

Arora said that this program will be implemented on an opt-in basis, under which gram panchayats will be able to participate in the program as per their local needs. Panchayats can also determine the number of lights to effectively manage costs, including the option of lights with and without poles. To ensure timely execution, it is mandatory to complete 50 per cent of the work within 120 days and the remaining work within 180 days from the date of work order.

Grievance redressal system strengthened

He said, “This initiative will illuminate thousands of villages across Punjab keeping in mind cost, quality and accountability. The revised new 70:30 funding ratio will reduce the burden on our gram panchayats to a great extent. The rates decided through a transparent process ensure that public money is utilized smoothly. Mandatory geo-tagging, remote monitoring and grievance redressal systems will be strengthened so that each light installed can be tracked and accountability fixed.” Could.