To ensure round-the-clock electricity at remotely located SC, ST ashram schools, the Orissa government has decided to install solar photovoltaic systems at 147 such schools by this year.
According to sources at the science and technology department, the state-own Orissa Renewable Energy Development Agency (OREDA) is executing the projects. The agency has set a target to connect 500 hostels and 500 tribal villages and habitations with solar energy over a period of four years.
The state government has so far identified 275 such schools to connect with solar energy of which 68 have been electrified in 2014-15 fiscal. Electrification at 60 other schools was completed in the last financial year.
Installation of solar systems at 147 ashram schools is in progress for which work orders were issued last December, an official said, adding, all the projects would be completed very soon.
Of the total cost of Rs 162.7 million sanctioned for 2014-15 fiscal, the Union ministry of new and renewable energy (MNRE) had released Rs 32.5 million while SC/ST development department has sanctioned the remaining amount.
The state government has also decided to connect all schools, hospitals, hostels, irrigation projects, drinking water supply projects, panchayati raj institutions in un-served areas through solar energy. The S&T department in consultation with the department concerned would prepare a two-year action plan in this regard.
