Bhatti blames BRS for neglecting PM-KUSUM, pushes for Telangana’s solar rollout

Hyderabad: Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka accused the previous BRS government of failing to implement the Centre’s PM-KUSUM scheme, which was designed to promote solar power usage among farmers. The Bhatti-led initiative aims to make notable strides in Telangana’s solar adoption.

Speaking on Friday, Bhatti said the scheme, introduced nearly a decade ago, remained unutilised in Telangana due to the BRS government’s negligence. “They didn’t even submit the required proposals. Now the Centre says the funds are unavailable,” he said.

Telangana seeks revival of unutilised solar quota

Bhatti said the present government, under Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, is pushing to secure Telangana’s share under PM-KUSUM. Both leaders have met the Union Power Minister, submitted written requests, and urged the Centre to allocate the unused quota from other states to Telangana. In their proposals, they highlighted BRS’s previous oversight regarding PM-KUSUM.

The state has asked the Centre to amend guidelines that restrict PM-KUSUM eligibility only to farmers cultivating their own land. “Many farmers cultivate on leased land. When the income still goes to farmers, this condition becomes an unnecessary hurdle,” Bhatti said.

SHG women to lead rural solar push

Bhatti also announced that the state has permitted Self-Help Group (SHG) women to form solar cooperatives. These groups can lease farmland and set up solar projects, part of a broader strategy to expand green energy access in rural areas. This aligns with Bhatti and BRS’s vision for PM-KUSUM implementation.

The state is also ready to bear the farmer’s financial share under PM-KUSUM. Bhatti admitted that as farmers already receive quality free electricity, there is little urgency to switch to solar. “We’re working to raise awareness and increase interest,” he said.

The plan includes solar supply not just for agriculture but also for domestic use, he added, emphasizing Bhatti’s commitment to comprehensive energy solutions in Telangana.