Exclusive: Bengal’s ‘Aloshree’ Solar Project Shut Down, Centre’s ‘PM Suryaghar’ Scheme Launched Statewide*Headline: Exclusive: Bengal’s ‘Aloshree’ Solar Project Shut Down, Centre’s ‘PM Suryaghar’ Scheme Launched Statewide*

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Headline: Exclusive: Bengal’s ‘Aloshree’ Solar Project Shut Down, Centre’s ‘PM Suryaghar’ Scheme Launched Statewide

Kolkata: West Bengal’s state-run solar power initiative ‘Aloshree’ has been officially shut down. In its place, the Centre’s ambitious ‘PM Suryaghar: Muft Bijli Yojana’ is now being rolled out across the state. With this shift, the future of solar energy in Bengal has entered a new phase, sparking fresh political debate between the state and the Centre.


*Why Was ‘Aloshree’ Closed?*  

Launched in 2018, ‘Aloshree’ aimed to bring solar power to rural Bengal. The goal was to light up remote villages using solar panels. However, sources in the Renewable Energy Department confirmed that the project had been struggling for the last two years. The main reasons: discontinuation of central funding and lack of maintenance. In many areas, solar panels were found lying defunct. The state has now decided to completely wind up the project this month. A department official, on condition of anonymity, said, “We couldn’t run it anymore due to a fund crunch. After central assistance stopped, the project’s future went dark.”


*Now, It’s ‘PM Suryaghar’*  

With ‘Aloshree’ being shut down, the Centre’s ‘PM Suryaghar’ scheme is gaining momentum in Bengal. The scheme aims to install rooftop solar panels in one crore homes across India. For West Bengal, an initial target of 3 lakh households has been set.


*What Does The Scheme Offer?*  

1. *Subsidy:* Up to ₹30,000 for 1 kW, ₹60,000 for 2 kW, and ₹78,000 for 3 kW or higher capacity rooftop solar systems.

2. *Free Electricity:* A promise of up to 300 units of free electricity per month.

3. *Income:* Households can earn by selling surplus electricity back to the grid.


Posters and banners have already come up in Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly, North & South 24 Parganas, and New Town-Rajarhat. Power distribution companies CESC and WBSEDCL have started accepting applications. Citizens can also apply directly at http://pmsuryaghar.gov.in.


*Political War of Words Begins*  

The closure of ‘Aloshree’ and the launch of the central scheme have triggered a political slugfest. A leader from the ruling party in the state alleged, “The Centre deliberately withheld funds for our project so they could take credit for their own scheme.” The opposition hit back, saying, “The state government failed to run ‘Aloshree’. Corruption and mismanagement led to its collapse. At least the central scheme will run transparently.”


*What Are People Saying?*  

Debasish Mondal, a retired school teacher from New Town, said, “We had heard of Aloshree, but it never reached us. If PM Suryaghar really provides subsidized solar panels, our electricity bills will come down. But we have to see how many people actually get the benefit, not just on paper.”


*Expert Take*  

Energy expert Sujoy Basu said, “Whatever the name, expansion of solar power benefits the common people. But the government must learn from Aloshree’s failure. Maintenance and customer service for ‘Suryaghar’ must be prioritized. Otherwise, this too will end up like sand slipping through our fingers.”


For now, the light of ‘Aloshree’ has gone out, and Bengal waits to see if ‘Suryaghar’ can truly light up every home. Whether the Centre’s scheme reaches every doorstep in the state remains to be seen.


*Reported by Sanchita chatterjee Global Digital News 365*  

Background: Why Bengal's 'Aloshree' Solar Project Was Shut Down - Exclusive Report

*Kolkata, 29 May2026




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