THE GOAN NETWORK
VALPOI
While the State government has been repeatedly appealing to people to reduce dependence on conventional electricity and increasingly adopt solar energy, about 350 applications for the rooftop solar subsidy scheme from Sattari taluka are reportedly still awaiting approval.
According to sources, hundreds of applicants from Sattari taluka responded to the government's appeal and came forward to benefit from the scheme. They completed the required documentation and submitted their applications to authorities through various village panchayats.
However, a year has passed and about 350 proposals have not received approvals as yet.
Many have expressed disappointment over the delay, stating that while the government is actively creating awareness about the importance of solar energy, the applications submitted for approval remain pending for such a long period.
Despite completing the necessary formalities in response to the government's appeal, applicants have yet to receive the green signal, raising questions about the implementation of the scheme.
A number of people from Sattari had raised the issue of pending solar energy applications during a Sarkar Tumchya Dari programme in Valpoi and requested Power Minister Sudin Dhavalikar, who was present at the programme, to ensure that the pending proposals were approved at the earliest.
At the time, the minister had assured citizens that the matter would be taken seriously and that necessary steps would be taken to expedite the approval process.
There is now a growing need for authorities to clarify why more than 350 applications from Sattari are still awaiting approval, what obstacles are delaying the scrutiny process, and how much longer citizens will have to wait to receive the benefits of the scheme.
Some people have also complained that they are not receiving adequate assistance from the Goa Energy Development Agency regarding their solar energy applications. Some beneficiaries claimed that when they visit the office to enquire about the status of their applications or seek information about the required procedures, they do not receive proper guidance.
In view of the growing number of pending applications, beneficiaries have appealed to Poriem MLA Deviya Rane to intervene once again and follow up with authorities concerned to resolve the issue.
They have also appealed to Power Minister Sudin Dhavalikar to honour his earlier assurance and issue necessary directions to ensure that all pending proposals are approved without further delay.
The beneficiaries have demanded that the government should not merely encourage people to adopt solar energy but also accelerate the actual implementation process so that eligible beneficiaries can receive the benefits without unnecessary administrative delays.
