F. No.

32/1/2024 – SPV Division

Government of India
Ministry of New & Renewable Energy

Atal Akshay Urja Bhawan,

Lodhi Road, New Delhi - 110 003
Dated: 18th October, 2024

ORDER

Subject: New Solar Power Scheme (for Tribal and PVTG Habitations/Villages) under PM
JANMAN and PM JUGA

In continuation to the Ministry’s Order of even number dated 04.01.2024, issuing

approval for the implementation of New Solar Power Scheme (for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal
Groups (PVTG) Habitations/Villages) under Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha
Abhiyan (PM JANMAN), the sanction of the President is accorded for the implementation of the
revised New Solar Power Scheme (for tribal and PVTG Habitations/Villages) under PM
JANMAN and Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan (PM JUGA) in place of the
previous New Solar Power Scheme (for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG)
Habitations/Villages) under PM JANMAN. The Implementation Guidelines of the Scheme are
attached.

2. The Scheme will cover electrification of One Lakh un-electrified households (HHs) in
Tribal and PVTG areas identified by Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) by provision of off-grid
solar systems. The scheme includes a provision for providing off-grid solar lighting in 1500
Multi-Purpose Centres (MPCs) in PVTG areas as approved under PM JANMAN. Similarly, the
scheme also includes provision for solarisation of 2000 public institutions through off-grid solar
systems as approved under PM JUGA. The off-grid solar systems shall be provided only where
electricity supply through grid is not techno-economically feasible. The financial outlay
approved for the scheme under PM JANMAN and PM JUGA is given below:

Approved
S. Central Share Financial
Components Timeline
No. (100%) Outlay (in Rs.
Crore)
Provision of 0.3 kW Solar off- Rs. 50,000 per
1 grid system for 1 lakh Tribal HH or as per 500
and PVTG HHs actual cost FY 2023-24 to
Solar street lighting and FY 2025-26
Rs. 1 lakh per
2 provision of lighting in 1500 15
MPC
MPCs of PVTG areas
Solarisation of 2000 public
Rs 1 lakh per FY 2024-25 to
3 institutions through off-grid 400
kW FY 2028-29
solar systems
3. The funds for the implementation of the scheme would be met from the DAPST allocation
of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) with an overall approved financial
outlay of Rs.915 Crore. Year-wise funds approved and allocated for the scheme as per cabinet
approval is given below:

Year FY24 FY25 FY26 FY27 FY28 FY29 Total

Funds allocated
for HHs and 20 255 240 515
MPCs (Rs. Cr)
Funds allocated
for Public 50 125 125 100 400
Institutions

4. The implementation of scheme will come into effect from the date of issue of
Administrative Approval along with its Implementation Guidelines. The sanctions and approvals
already issued under previous New Solar Power Scheme (for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal
Groups (PVTG) Habitations/Villages) under PM JANMAN shall be continued and considered
under this scheme.

5. This sanction issues in exercise of the powers delegated to this Ministry and with the
concurrence of the IFD vide their Dy. No. 266 dated 18.10.2024.

(JK Jethani)
Scientist ‘F’

Enclosed: As above.

To
1. All Central Government Ministries and Departments
2. ACS/Principal Secretaries/Secretaries (Renewable Energy/Energy/Power) of 30
States/UTs identified by MoTA under PM JUGA
3. DISCOMs/State Nodal Agencies of 30 States/UTs
4. Tribal Welfare Departments of 30 States/UTs
5. Principal Director of Audit, Scientific Audit-II, DGACR Building, I.P. Estate, Delhi
6. Pay and Accounts Officer, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, New Delhi

Copy to:
1. PS to Hon’ble Minister for New & Renewable Energy
2. PS to Hon’ble Minister of State for New & Renewable Energy
3. PPS to Secretary/AS/JS&FA, MNRE
4. PPS to Secretary, MoP/MoTA
5. All JS/Advisors/EA/DDG& Group Heads, MNRE
6. Director (NIC), MNRE to upload this on the Ministry’s website
 Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
Implementation Guidelines for New Solar Power Scheme (for Tribal and PVTG
Habitations/Villages) under PM JANMAN and PM JUGA

1. Background
1.1 The Union Cabinet on 28.11.2023, approved the proposal of Ministry of Tribal
Affairs (MoTA) on Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM
JANMAN) with total outlay of Rs. 24,104 crores (Central Share: Rs. 15,336 crore
and State Share: Rs. 8,768 crore) to focus on eleven critical interventions through
Nine-line Ministries for implementation. The Mission, inter-alia, covers
implementation of New Solar Power Scheme (for PVTG Habitations/Villages) for
electrification of one lakh un-electrified households (HHs) in PVTG areas located in
18 States and UT of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, by provision of off-grid solar
systems where electricity supply through grid is not techno-economically feasible. In
addition, the New Solar Power Scheme has a provision for providing solar lighting
in 1500 Multi-Purpose Centres (MPCs) in PVTG areas where electricity through grid
is not available. The financial outlay approved for this purpose is given below:
Approved Financial
S. No. Components Outlay (in Rs. Crore)

Provision of 0.3 kW solar off-grid system for 1

1 lakh PVTG HHs @ Rs. 50,000 per HH or as per 500
actual cost (Illustration given at Annexure-I)

Solar street lighting and provision of lighting in

1500 MPCs of PVTG areas where electricity
2 15
through grid is not available, @ Rs. 1 lakh per
MPC

1.2 Additionally, the Union Cabinet on 18.09.2024 approved the proposal of Ministry of
Tribal Affairs (MoTA) on Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan (PM
JUGA) with total outlay of Rs.79,156 crore (Central Share: Rs.56,333 crore and State
Share: Rs. 22,823 crore) for improving the socio-economic condition of tribal
communities, by adopting saturation coverage for tribal families in tribal-majority
villages and aspirational districts. T h e PM JUGA will cover about 63,000 villages
of benefiting more than 5 crore tribal people of 30 states/UTs. The PM JUGA will
cover electrification of un-electrified HHs in identified tribal villages, by provision
of off-grid solar systems where electricity supply through grid is not techno-
economically feasible. In addition, there is a provision for providing off-grid solar
power plants in 2000 public institutions, in identified tribal villages, where grid
connectivity is not feasible. The financial outlay approved for this purpose is given
below:

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 Approved Financial
S.No. Components
Outlay (in Rs. Crore)
No separate allocation, to
Electrification of un-electrified households (HHs) in
be utilized from the funds
1 identified tribal villages, by provision of off-grid
allocated under PM
solar systems in line with PM JANMAN
JANMAN
Providing off-grid solar power plants in 2000 public
2 400
institutions

1.3 Off-grid electrification is recommended only in locations where grid- connected

electrification is not techno-economically feasible, as per norms specified by the
Ministry of Power under Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS). The State
agencies will conduct ground survey and recommend electrification modes through
grid or off-grid. The off-grid solution for electrification of HHs could be through
provision of Solar Home Lighting Systems (SHLS) or Solar Mini-Grids, based on
the results of field surveys. All HHs will be eligible to receive benefits in the selected
tribal village/habitation.
2. Scope and Components
2.1 Electrification of HHs through Off-grid Systems:
(i) Solar Home Lighting System (SHLS):
2.1.1 For scattered un-electrified HHs, an off-grid SHLS along with necessary
appliances such as LED bulbs and Fan will be installed free of cost. For this system
configuration, the MNRE will provide the central share in the form of Central
Financial Assistance (CFA) covering the entire cost of system with appliances,
transportation, installation, onsite comprehensive maintenance services for 5
years and applicable taxes, to the implementing agencies. The off-grid SHLS will
be equipped with Remote Monitoring System (RMS) to ensure proper functioning
and maintenance. Specifications of the off-grid SHLS are provided at Annexure-
II.
2.1.2 The Implementing Agency, under intimation to MNRE, has the flexibility to select
system and appliances with higher specifications, however, the CFA support in
such cases will be limited to Rs. 50,000 per household all-inclusive cost of the
system and applicable taxes to the implementing agency as specified above. The
implementing agency may source the balance funding requirement, if any, from
their own resources, the State Government, PSU-CSR funds, etc.
2.1.3 Beneficiaries are required to furnish their Aadhaar number and other details as
specified by the implementing agency. Beneficiaries are also required to submit a
declaration confirming that the HH was not electrified under any scheme of
Central/State Government or any Government agency. The implementing agency
is also obligated to verify and ensure that the beneficiaries have not been
covered under any earlier electrification program of the Central/State
Government.
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(ii) Solar Mini-Grids
2.1.4 For a cluster of HHs, Solar Mini-Grid of appropriate capacity, including battery
bank, distribution lines, metering and other control equipment may be installed
instead of providing off-grid SHLS to an individual HH. The MNRE will provide
CFA support limited to Rs. 50,000 per un-electrified HH covered under the Mini-
Grid. The Mini-Grid may be installed through CAPEX or RESCO mode, with
CFA as above. The Mini-Grid developer will be responsible for operating and
maintaining the Mini-Grid for a minimum period of 5 years.
2.1.5 All HHs electrified through Mini-Grids will be provided with necessary
appliances including LED bulbs and fans and BoP as being provided in case of
off-grid SHLS. The HHs under Mini-Grid will be eligible to draw electricity from
the Mini-Grid. Street lights may also be covered under Mini-Grids. The Mini-
Grids should be designed with Remote Monitoring System (RMS) and allow for
a connection to the main grid in the future. Specifications and technical
requirements of the Solar Mini-Grids are given at Annexure-III.

2.2 Solarisation of Multi-Purpose Centers (MPC)

2.2.1 For the identified MPCs where electricity connection through main grid is not
feasible, electrification will be carried out by installation of off-grid solar power
pack with battery bank. The maximum capacity of the solar power plant will be
determined based on load conditions. The plant should have provision for RMS
and connection to main grid in the future. Specifications and technical
requirements of the off-grid solar power pack for the MPCs are provided at
Annexure-IV.
2.2.2 Under this component, the Ministry will provide CFA limited to Rs. 1 lakh per
MPC, covering the entire cost of system asper specification, transportation,
installation, onsite comprehensive maintenance services for 5 years, applicable
taxes, and service charges, to the implementing agencies. The implementing
agencies may source the balance funding requirement, if any, from their own
resources, the State Government, PSU-CSR funds, etc.
2.3 Solarisation of Public Institutes (PIs)
2.3.1 For the identified Public Institutes where electricity connection through main grid
is not feasible, electrification will be carried out by installation of off-grid solar
power pack with battery bank. The maximum capacity of the solar power plant
will be determined based on load conditions. The plant should have provision for
RMS and connection to main grid in the future. Specifications and technical
requirements of the off-grid solar power pack for the Public Institutions are
provided at Annexure -IV.
2.3.2 Under this component, the Ministry will provide CFA limited to Rs 1 lakh per kW
with maximum SPV capacity of 20 kW at an institution, covering the entire cost
of system as per specification, transportation, installation, onsite comprehensive
maintenance services for 5 years, applicable taxes, and service charges, to the
implementing agencies. The implementing agencies may source the balance

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 funding requirement, if any, from their own resources, the State Government,
PSU-CSR funds, etc. CFA support will only cover the installation of the solar
power plant with battery backup, excluding the costs for internal wiring and
appliances.
3. Implementation Agency
3.1 To ease the implementation, the respective DISCOM in the scheme area will be
the implementing agency for the scheme. However, the State/UT may take a
decision to implement the scheme by any other State agency, including the State
nodal agency for renewable energy.
4. Sanction
4.1 Based on the ground level survey, implementing agencies will aggregate the
demand, prepare and submit the project proposals for off-grid SHLS, Solar Mini
Grids, Solarisation of MPCs & Public Institutions to the MNRE for sanction.
4.2 The project proposal shall cover important details but not limited to, (a) brief about
PVTG/Tribal location/habitation, (b) number of verified PVTG/Tribal
households, (c) basis for the selection of particular electrification solution, (d)
tentative project cost per household electrification through Solar Mini Grid/off-
grid SHLS, (e) demand and specification of off- grid SHLS, (f) capacity of solar
mini grids and solar power plants, (g) proposed battery bank capacities, (h)
Monitoring mechanism (i) repair and maintenance mechanism, etc.
5. Tender
5.1 The implementing agencies are empowered to issue open tenders for all
components as mentioned under Para 2 of these Guidelines and select the eligible
bidders. The implementing agencies shall follow the tender norms of the CVC
Guidelines and Central/States Governments from time to time.
5.2 The bidder or any of its directors, should not have been blacklisted from any
government agency, especially for renewable energy projects. The bidder shall
have past experience in successful project completion of design, supply,
installation, commissioning and R&M services of 3 years (exempted for
MSME/Start-Ups) with a minimum of 20% of similar works for the tender
quantity/capacity.
5.3 Implementing agencies may start the preparatory activities of the tender before
the sanction. Implementing agencies are suggested to complete the tendering
process within shortest possible time. However, a letter of the award shall be
issued only after the sanction.
5.4 The option of awarding contracts under this Scheme to existing contractors,
appointed under any other scheme for similar works, through extension of scope
as per prevailing rules of the State Government, is also permitted.

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6. Release of Funds
6.1 After the issuance of a Letter of Award (LoA) to the vendor, the implementing
agencies will be eligible to get an advance CFA of 70% of project cost and balance
CFA of 30% of project cost will be released after installation and commissioning
of systems along with the submission of Utilisation Certificate (UC) as per GFR,
Audited Statement of Expenditure (ASoE), terms & conditions of the sanction,
and other requisite documents/submission of information in the MIS portals
specified by the MNRE and MoTA. The implementation agency shall disburse the
released CFA to the vendors as per the tender conditions and milestones.
However, tender conditions and milestones shall be in consonance with the
provisions of the scheme guidelines.
7. Project Timeline
7.1 Implementing Agencies shall complete the installation and commissioning of off-
grid SHLS within 3 months from the date of issuance of LoA and installation of
off-grid solar power pack and solar Mini-Grid to be completed within 9 months
from the date of issuance of LoA. Extension, if required, will be provided by
MNRE based on detailed justification.
8. Inspection
8.1 The implementing agencies will inspect the installations and submit inspection
report along with completion/commissioning reports. After completion of two
years, the third-party inspection will also be carried out by the implementing
agencies without any additional fund from MNRE. Random inspection may also
be conducted by MNRE.
9. Monitoring
9.1 For the identified Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) (i.e. Percentage number
of HHs/Habitations electrified in off-grid mode, etc.), MNRE and MoTA will
regularly monitor the implementation of the Scheme. The implementing agency
would also be responsible for monitoring parameters such as end-use
verification and compilation of statistical information. Implementing agencies
will submit monthly progress report for the sanctions.
10. Repair and Maintenance
10.1 Vendor shall mandatorily provide repair and comprehensive maintenance services
for 5 years from the date of commissioning of the systems. The implementing
agency shall ensure quarterly inspection of the installations for proper functioning,
a record of certificates from beneficiary/local authority during inspections &
repairs, and availability of spares, etc. The implementation agency shall submit
quarterly inspection reports of the installations to the Ministry.
10.2 The implementing agency shall obtain a performance bank guarantee (BG) of 10%
of the award amount from the Vendor with a validity during the R&M period of 5

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 years. In case R&M services are not provided by the Vendor or the systems are
not working properly, the BG may be encashed to repair or replace the systems as
may be required and the implementing agency will have the right to blacklist the
Vendor for all future renewable energy project tenders.
11. Service Centres, Training and Availability of Spares
11.1 The Vendor shall mandatorily open a service centre for every district of
installation of systems. Vendor shall provide necessary training & employment
for the local people to work in the service centres. Vendor shall maintain sufficient
tools & spares in service centres and near the installation centres for the quick
repair and maintenance.
12. Complaint Redressal Mechanism
12.1 Vendor shall operationalise a helpline number in the local language/language of
the PVTG/Tribal area or integrate with the already existing helpline/toll-free
number of the implementing agency. The Vendor shall attend to the complaint
within 3 days from the date of receipt of the complaint.
12.2 The implementing agency shall provide necessary guidance to PVTG/Tribal
households/beneficiaries for the filing of complaints telephonically or physically
at the nearest local bodies office or implementing agency office and ensure a
regular flow of information to Vendors for the rectification of complaints.
13. Technical Specifications and Testing
13.1 Systems installed under this Scheme must adhere to the technical specifications,
testing procedures, and construction standards specified by BIS and MNRE. The
Vendor shall submit the valid test reports of the systems or various components
to the implementing agency as per requirement. Non-compliance will be taken
seriously to the extent of blacklisting of the Vendor and its Directors.
14. Interpretation of the Guidelines
14.1 In case of ambiguity in the interpretation of any of the provisions of these
guidelines, the decision of the Ministry shall be final.
15. Power to Amend Implementation Guidelines
15.1 MNRE may make the necessary amendments in the Implementation Guidelines,
as and when required, with the approval of the Minister of New and Renewable
Energy
*****

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 Annexure I

Illustration of eligible CFA for electrification of HHs through Off-grid Solar PV system

Off-grid Solar PV
System for Specification Eligible CFA
electrification of HHs

Off-grid SHLS with

minimum Solar PV
CFA support will be as per the actual
capacity of 300Wp and
cost discovered in the tender.
other specifications as per
Off-grid Solar Home the Annexure II
Lighting System CFA support will be limited to Rs.
(SHLS) 50,000/- per off-grid SHLS or cost
Off-grid SHLS with
discovered in the tender, whichever is
specifications higher than
lower. Implementing agency (IA) shall
prescribed at Annexure II
obtain additional funding, if required,
from other sources.
The Mini-Grids may be installed
through CAPEX or RESCO mode,
As per the indicative however, the CFA support will be
Solar Mini-Grids technical requirements at limited to Rs. 50,000/- per HH in both
Annexure-III the cases. Implementing Agency shall
obtain additional funding, if required,
from other sources.

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 Annexure II

Specifications for the Off-grid Solar Home Lighting System (SHLS)

SPV Module – Minimum 300Wp under Standard Test

SPV Module (with Conditions (STC)
module mounting
structure, if required) Only indigenous module with minimum efficiency of 19
percent
Lithium Ferro Phosphate (LFP) – 1250Wh (Minimum)
Battery Maximum Depth of Discharge 90% with more than 2000
cycles
Solar DC Charge
MPPT
Controller
a. 7W DC LED bulbs (5 Numbers)
b. 20W DC Table/Pedestal Fan based on the user’s
Appliances
requirement
c. One 30W socket for DC appliances like TV
d. One USB Port for Mobile Charging
Average Load Cycle and
6-7 Hours/day and two days respectively
Battery Autonomy
Remote Monitoring
RMS for getting operational data on portal
System
Internal wiring with conduit, Switches, Sockets, etc. shall be as
Balance of Plant
per applicable BIS standards.

The implementing agency has the flexibility to select different or higher specifications,
alternate ratings of appliances, and various configurations of off-grid SHLS, based on the
ground level requirements and past experiences with electrification programs. However, the
CFA support will be limited to Rs. 50,000 per household.

Page 8 of 10
 Annexure III
Specifications and Technical Requirements for the Solar Mini Grids

SPV Module (with a) Indigenous Mono crystalline SPV modules shall be used with a
module mounting minimum efficiency of 19% and a fill factor of more than 75%.
structure) b) The SPV Modules must be warranted for output wattage, which
should not be less than 90% of the rated wattage at the end of 10 years
and 80% of the rated wattage at the end of 25 years.
Battery a) Tubular Valve Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA) Gel type battery bank
with a maximum of depth of discharge (DoD) of 80%
b) The minimum battery bank capacity recommended for the system is
6 VAh per Wp (Solar Module wattage)
c) This capacity has been estimated considering minimum 600 Wh
electricity consumption per day per household, battery bank autonomy
of two days and other factors (DoD, losses, etc.)
Appliances per HH • 7W LED bulbs (5 Numbers)
• 25W-30W AC Table/Pedestal Fan based on the user’s
requirement
• Two socket points for appliances like TV and mobile charging
The implementing agency may propose different combinations and
ratings of appliances based on the field requirement and experience of
earlier electrification programs. However, it is suggested to limit the
maximum appliances connected load of household to 100Wp.
Remote Monitoring a) All the important remote monitoring parameters (as specified by the
System implementing agency tenders) are available over the internet using
GPRS (2G/3G/4G enabled) based solutions. The RMS shall be able to
push the information to the web server for every 15 minutes even under
the 2G networks.
b) Vendor shall host the RMS information in the new or already
running web portals of MNRE or implementing agencies.
Street Light 7W LED Street light as per MNRE specifications.
Balance of Plant PCU/Solar Inverter with charge controller (MPPT), distribution lines,
street lights, internal wiring with conduit, Switches, Sockets, etc., for
the households, load limiting switch, smart meters, construction of
control room (if required), fencing, earthing arrangement, lighting
protection, cables, other control equipment, etc., shall be as per quality
control order and applicable BIS standards. Mini-grids shall have
provision for the connection/input power from the main grid in the
future.

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 Annexure IV
Specifications and Technical Requirements of the Off-grid Solar Power Pack for the
Multi-Purpose Centres (MPCs) and other Public Institutions

Off-grid Solar Power Plant - The capacity of SPV modules and battery bank of Off-grid solar
power plants to be proposed after a detailed survey of the load requirement at MPCs/PIs.
SPV Module a) Indigenous mono crystalline SPV modules shall be used with a
minimum efficiency of 19% and a fill factor of more than 75%.
b) The SPV Modules must be warranted for output wattage, which
should not be less than 90% of the rated wattage at the end of 10
years and 80% of the rated wattage at the end of 25 years.
Battery a) Tubular Valve Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA) Gel type battery
bank with a maximum of depth of discharge (DoD) of 80%.
b) The battery bank shall be designed for two-day autonomy of the
average daily load cycle.
c) The minimum battery bank capacity recommended for the
system is 6 VAh per Wp (Solar Module wattage)
Street Light
7W LED street light as per MNRE specifications (only for MPCs)

Remote Monitoring All the important remote monitoring parameters (as specified by the
System implementing agency tenders) are available over the internet using
GPRS (2G/3G/4G enabled) based solutions. The RMS shall be able
to push the information to the web server for every 15 minutes even
under the 2G networks. Vendor shall host the RMS information in
the new or already running web portals of MNRE or implementing
agencies.
Balance of Plant PV Module mounting structures, PCU/Solar Inverter with charge
controller (MPPT), AC/DC distribution/junction boxes, cables,
earthing arrangement, Lightning protection, metering, other control
equipment, etc., shall be as per quality control order and applicable
BIS standards.

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