Rajkot (Gujarat) [India], January 12 (ANI): As part of the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference, a seminar on 'Empowerment of the Energy Sector' was organised in the presence of Union Minister Piyush Goyal. Beneficiaries of schemes such as PM-KUSUM and PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme, along with other initiatives of the Energy Department, were honoured. On this occasion, MoUs worth more than 5.60 lakh crore were signed.

According to an official release, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal stated that thanks to the Prime Minister's broad and visionary outlook, India has achieved self-reliance in the energy sector. The policy of promoting solar energy will reduce environmental pollution and ensure ecological protection in the future. A one-time investment in solar energy becomes a lifelong savings. As traditional energy sources like gas, petrol, and diesel are depleting, solar energy offers a bright possibility of building a new world. During the Prime Minister's tenure, 100 GW solar plants have been installed, enabling India to realise a new energy vision. Given India's unique geographical conditions, the abundant solar energy available here is our natural capital, which the government is committed to utilising to the fullest, he added.

Minister Rushikesh Patel remarked that the Vibrant Summit has created an atmosphere of enthusiasm. It feels as though the dawn of the 21st century for India began in Gujarat. Years ago, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as Chief Minister of Gujarat, strengthened governance and gave a new direction. He carried forward Mahatma Gandhi's vision of cleanliness and self-reliance. India's GDP continues to grow steadily - strengthening and empowering is the Prime Minister's economic philosophy. Since the inception of the Vibrant Summit in 2003, Gujarat began attracting investors, and the industrial transformation that followed has been showcased to the nation. This forum helps shape industrial policy. As India moves towards becoming Viksit Bharat by 2047, Rajkot is contributing as an engineering hub.

Minister of State for Law & Justice, Energy & Petrochemicals, and Parliamentary Affairs Shri Kaushik Vekariya said that to realise the Prime Minister's vision of a 'Developed India by 2047,' the contribution of the energy sector will be crucial. The Gujarat government is progressing hand-in-hand with farmers and the common people, the release stated.

On this occasion, dignitaries honoured the beneficiaries of PM-KUSUM Components B & C and the PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme, recognising their contribution to the nation's renewable energy drive. In addition, six subdivisions that achieved the highest number of installations under the PM Surya Ghar Scheme were felicitated, along with three vendors who recorded the maximum installations in the solar energy sector, highlighting their pivotal role in advancing sustainable energy solutions.

In the flagship program on Solar Dividend, guidance was provided on 'Empowerment through PM-KUSUM and PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme.' The Energy Department signed MoUs worth 5.60 lakh crore across various sectors, including 16 investment MoUs and 1 strategic partnership MoU. The event witnessed participation from over 800 attendees.

Held at Marwadi University Auditorium, the program honoured invitees with floral bouquets and shawls. A documentary film showcasing details of PM-KUSUM and PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme was screened and keenly watched by the audience, the release concluded. (ANI)