With the country expecting a weary increase in electricity charges, the solar lantern project taken up by ANERT gets a warm welcome from consumers. The Agency for Nonconventional Energy and Rural Technology has developed 1000 pieces of solar power generators and half of the bulk has already reached the hands of registered beneficiaries.
Another piece has been opened up to the district for local distribution. With increasing demand and popularity, ANERT is already on its process of coming up with yet another 500 units. 25 May is allotted at the last date for the distribution in the first phase after which new registrations will be entertained.
With an expected number of increase in unit demand, a token system for hassle-free distribution is already being worked out and this could be obtained with valid ration cards along with the token. The quality has been approved by the central government and cost Rs 889 per piece as opposed to Rs 2,000 if one buys at market price.
The selection of the beneficiaries is according to proportionate representation for all the existing grama panchayats per district. This will amount to a 12,000 piece requirement over the Malabar region and in subsidized rate.
Kozhikode officials for ANERT say that the government is likely to distribute over 100,00 lanterns to various households in Kerala this financial year. In addition to a Rs 889 charge, some lanterns will be distributed for free to physically challenged individuals. More than 350 families have been identified under this category.
