Berhampur: In a significant stride towards clean energy transition, Matikhala village in Ganjam district of Odisha has emerged as a model for rural solar adoption, becoming fully solarised under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (ULA Model).
The initiative, implemented by TP Southern Odisha Distribution Limited (TPSODL), highlights how decentralised renewable energy solutions can transform rural livelihoods while advancing the country’s sustainability goals.
Located under Kanamana Panchayat in Chhatrapur block, the village has seen 200 eligible households having a contract demand of 1 kW, equipped with rooftop solar connections. Each beneficiary has been provided with a 1 kW solar system, enabling them to generate their own electricity, significantly reduce dependence on conventional power sources, and lower monthly electricity expenses.
Under the ULA model of the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, a beneficiary contributes Rs 5,622, which includes the cost of the solar panel and solar meter, making the initiative both accessible and affordable. The model ensures long-term benefits, with solar systems designed to provide reliable energy support for up to 25 years. With this, Matikhala has become a fully solarised village under the scheme, with all eligible beneficiaries covered. The district administration of Ganjam has provided necessary financial support in achieving this milestone.
The project was inaugurated by Chhatrapur MLA Krushna Chandra Nayak in the presence of villagers and senior officials. The event was graced by Ganjam Collector Keerthi Vasan V, CEO of TPSODL Amit Kumar Garg, Chhatrapur BDO Sambit Sangramjit Sahoo, along with other senior officials of TPSODL.
Speaking on the occasion, Krushna Chandra Nayak said, “The Government is committed to promoting clean and affordable energy solutions at the grassroots level through initiatives like the ULA model under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. Such efforts are encouraging rural households to adopt solar energy, reduce electricity expenses, and become more self-reliant. We will continue to support and expand these initiatives to ensure wider adoption of renewable energy.”
Highlighting the administrative push behind the initiative, Keerthi Vasan stated, “The district administration is taking proactive steps to drive solar adoption at the Panchayat level by working closely with all stakeholders. Through structured planning and close coordination with TPSODL, we are ensuring that all eligible households benefit from the ULA model. We have set a target of covering 50 households from each Panchayat. Our focus is to scale this initiative across the district, promote SHGs to avail the benefits of the scheme, and make clean energy accessible to more rural communities.”
Reinforcing TPSODL’s commitment to sustainable energy, CEO Amit Kumar Garg stated, “The solarisation of Matikhala under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (ULA Model) marks a key step towards rural energy self-reliance. It not only reduces electricity costs for households but also ensures long-term sustainable benefits. We are committed to expanding such initiatives to build a cleaner and greener future.”
The district administration played a crucial role in supporting the implementation, ensuring seamless coordination and outreach to eligible beneficiaries. The initiative aligns with the broader objectives of the Government of India to promote rooftop solar adoption at scale, empowering households and reducing the nation’s carbon footprint.
The solarisation of Matikhala under ULA Scheme highlights how coordinated efforts can drive large-scale renewable adoption across rural India. As the nation accelerates towards its clean energy and sustainability targets, such models demonstrate a scalable pathway for energy self-reliance. Matikhala now stands as a replicable national model for sustainable green energy.
