Punjab is implementing renewable energy full throttle, with more than 4,000 government school buildings installing solar photovoltaic (PV) panels. The program, led by the Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA), has reached an installed capacity of 21.19 MW and produces nearly 2.89 crore units of green electricity per year.
Punjab Minister for New and Renewable Energy Sources Aman Arora revealed this data in a Punjab Vidhan Sabha, following a question by Sanour constituency MLA Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra about the upkeep of solar plants in government schools. Arora assured that PEDA has commissioned a five-year annual maintenance contract (AMC) with installation providers so that these systems function smoothly.
Commitment to Renewable Energy
Arora also informed that 4,238 government school buildings have been solarized. The AMC arrangement will also see vendors visiting quarterly and rectifying technical flaws within 72 hours of the lodging of a complaint. He added that there will be tough action against defaulting vendors.
The minister also apprised the house that AMC of the first 880 schools would lapse in May 2026. Under PEDA, the maintenance could be extended for a period of 20 years subject to payment of the cost involved by the Punjab School Education Board.
Future Expansion Plans
Punjab’s renewables commitment does not end here. Arora publicized that PEDA has commissioned rooftop solar projects with a capacity of 34 MW on various government buildings. In the future, the agency intends to commission another 100 MW of solar PV capacity during the next two financial years. This move is in line with Punjab’s overall vision to switch to green energy solutions and curb its carbon footprint.
Labour & Housing Developments
Punjab Labour Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond in the meantime promised the house that the vacuum of labour inspectors in the state will be filled very soon. While answering an MLA Budh Ram’s question, Sond said the recruitment of 52 labour inspectors is going on and will be completed soon.
Also, Housing and Urban Development Minister Hardip Singh Mundian has emphasized efforts to identify sites for new urban estates. Orders have been given to all the development authorities to look for probable locations in cities and towns and to send suggestions to the government for approval.
Punjab’s Green Future
With a clear roadmap of increasing renewable power, labour force upgradation, and urbanisation, Punjab will lead the way to a greener tomorrow. The state’s ambitious initiative is a reflection of the desire to build environmental preservation along with economic growth.
