The Centre’s PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, aimed at promoting rooftop solar installations for households, is facing severe implementation hurdles in Karnataka. Officials say the confusion surrounding the scheme’s title — particularly the word ‘Muft’ (meaning free) — has led to widespread misunderstanding, resulting in a massive backlog of pending applications across the state’s electricity supply companies (Escoms).

According to data from the state energy department (as of August), an average of 95% of applications remain unprocessed. This means only five out of every 100 applications under the scheme have been acted upon so far.

95% of applications pending across Escoms

Among the state’s five Escoms, Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Company (Chescom) recorded the highest backlog at 97%, followed by Hubli Electricity Supply Company (Hescom) at 96%. Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (Bescom) fared slightly better but still reported a 93% backlog, indicating persistent delays across Karnataka.

“Nearly 60% of applications are stuck because people misinterpret the word ‘muft’,” said a senior energy department official. “Many assume installation is entirely free of cost and requires nothing more than filing an application. This misconception has prevented thousands of applications from moving forward.”

Officials also attributed the delays to the state’s own Gruha Jyothi scheme, which offers free power up to a certain limit, thereby overshadowing the rooftop solar initiative.

Vendor selection and payment defaults worsen delays

Adding to the problem, around 20% of applications have stalled during vendor selection. Initially, applicants had to choose from a list of 100 empanelled vendors, which was later expanded to 400. However, many consumers continued to compare quotes from multiple vendors, delaying finalisation.

An energy department engineer said, “Instead of quickly selecting a vendor, most applicants keep calling each one for quotes. Another 20% of applications are stuck because applicants fail to make the mandatory upfront deposit after receiving estimates.”

Officials noted that some applicants express willingness to continue but later withdraw once informed about their financial share, leading to repeated follow-ups and further delays.

Vendors highlight awareness and procedural gaps

The Karnataka Renewable Energy Association (KREA), which represents empanelled vendors under the scheme, said miscommunication and bureaucratic hurdles have compounded the issue.

Raghunandan S, president of KREA, said, “When the scheme was launched, Escoms used meter readers and postal workers to spread awareness. Their incomplete information misled citizens, and everyone rushed to the portal assuming the scheme was completely free.”

He added that in the very first year, a majority of the five lakh applications turned out to be junk, as many were submitted without understanding the financial and technical requirements. “Later, those already covered under Gruha Jyothi lost interest, while consumers using over 200 units a month were confused about funding norms,” he said.

Calls for stronger public awareness campaigns

Raghunandan also pointed out that while 95% of the process has now been digitised, public awareness remains the weakest link. “In cases where the plant’s capacity exceeded the declared limit, applicants were forced into the conventional approval route with heavy paperwork. Although digitisation has simplified much of the process, citizens still lack clarity on eligibility and costs,” he explained.

Experts say a robust awareness campaign is essential to clarify that the scheme offers subsidised, not completely free, solar installations — an important distinction that could revive interest and accelerate Karnataka’s transition toward clean energy.

“The government must aggressively communicate the real benefits and conditions of this scheme,” said Raghunandan. “It’s crucial not just for households but for the state’s long-term energy security.”