Zero takers in Karnataka for PM-KUSUM’s most lucrative solar scheme: Report
Mangaluru: Karnataka has failed to generate any demand under Component A of the PM-KUSUM scheme, the most lucrative part of the initiative that allows farmers to set up solar power plants of up to 2 MW on their land and sell surplus electricity to distribution companies.
Despite the potential for a steady income stream and the promotion of clean energy, the component has seen no uptake in the state, even six years after the scheme’s launch, as reported by The New Indian Express on Monday.
Launched in 2019, the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) scheme aims to reduce agriculture’s dependence on diesel, provide reliable solar power for irrigation, and improve farmers' income. The scheme is divided into three parts: Component A for decentralised solar plants, Component B for off-grid solar pumps, and Component C for solarising grid-connected agricultural pumps, including feeder-level solarisation.
A statement in Lok Sabha by Shripad Yesso Naik, Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy and Power, cited by TNIE, highlighted that while Components B and C have seen some progress in Karnataka, the overall implementation remains uneven and significantly below the sanctioned targets.
As of July 2025, Karnataka had been sanctioned 41,365 solar pumps under Component B, but only 2,388 have been installed. Similarly, under Component C (Feeder Level Solarisation), 6.28 lakh pumps were approved, but only 23,133 have been solarised. No demand has been raised for individual pump solarisation under Component C, underscoring underutilisation.
Despite these setbacks, some districts have shown a better adoption rate. Tumakuru leads the state with 6,160 grid-connected solar pumps, followed by Chikkaballapur (5,364) and Ramanagara (3,788). However, key agricultural districts like Belagavi, Kalaburagi, and Mysuru report almost negligible uptake, highlighting the inconsistency across the state.
On a national scale, Karnataka's performance remains modest, with 23,761 farmers benefiting from the PM-KUSUM scheme. This number pales in comparison to states like Maharashtra (7.27 lakh farmers), Gujarat (1.95 lakh), and Rajasthan (1.56 lakh), which have fully harnessed the potential of the scheme..
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Smriti Mandhana named BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year for 2025
New Delhi (PTI): Star batter Smriti Mandhana, who played a pivotal role in India's historic 2025 Women's World Cup triumph, was named the BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year for 2025 at a glittering function here on Monday.
Chess prodigy Divya Deshmukh won the Emerging Player of the Year award, for her historic FIDE Women's World Cup triumph at just 20.
Preethi Pal was named the Para-Sportswoman of the Year, for winning two bronze medals at the 2024 Paris Paralympics in track and field, while Anjali Bhagwat was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising her pioneering career as India's first woman shooter to reach an Olympic final and her trailblazing success on the world stage.
Mandhana, who is currently touring Australia with the Indian team for multi-format bilateral assignments, said in a video message: "Thank you BBC for giving me the awardfor Best Sportswoman of the Year. 2025 was a special year for women's cricket, especiallytowards the end we had a World Cup and I'm happy I could contribute and help India win matches.".
At 29, the left-handed batter is already among the game's greats, with the second-highest number of centuries in women's One Day Internationals and ranking third in total runsscored among current players worldwide.
Hailing from Sangli city in Maharashtra, the affable Mandhana was inspired by her father and brother, both of whom played cricket at the district level.
In September last year, she made a 50-ball hundred against Australia – the fastest 50 over international ton (men and women) by an Indian in the format, breaking Virat Kohli's record.
The award winners were decided by a distinguished grand jury comprising Leander Paes, Deepa Malik, and Anju Bobby George.
Praising the athletes' achievements CEO of BBC News, Jonathan Munro said: "Congratulations to this year's winners who showcase the very best in sporting excellence. The BBC World Service is committed to bringing such stories of human endeavour and outstanding success to audiences across India and around the world.".
Additionally, the ceremony also celebrated a wide spectrum of talent and impact, recognizing star performers and changemakers for redefining the landscape of Indian sport.
BBC Star Performers of the Year 202.
• Indian Women's Cricket Team: for their historic World Cup victory.
• Ekta Bhyan, Deepthi Jeevanji and Preethi Pal: for their trailblazing performances at the World Para Athletics Championship.
• Indian Women's Cricket Team for the Blind: for their inspiring World Cup victory.
• Indian Women's Kabaddi Team: for their smashing victory in World Cup.
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BBC Changemakers of the Year 202.
• Indian Women's Ice Hockey Team: for breaking barriers in a non-traditional sport.
• Rajbir Kaur: Indian field hockey player and former captain of the women’s national team.
• Savita Punia: Indian field hockey player and current member of the national team.
• Paani Devi: recognised for her impactful contribution to grassroots sport.
