THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, JUNE 4, 2026

Odisha has emerged as one of India’s leading champions of renewable energy, securing top national honours at the prestigious PM Surya Ghar Excellence Awards and reaffirming its position at the forefront of the country’s clean energy transition.

The recognition, conferred by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) for outstanding performance during the nationwide “Month of Solar” campaign held in May 2026, highlights Odisha’s remarkable success in accelerating rooftop solar adoption under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana.

In a sweeping performance, the state captured first place in three key categories — Maximum Consumer Applications, Maximum Solar Installations, and Maximum DISCOM Inspections — while also securing third place for Maximum Vendor Registrations. The achievement underscores Odisha’s growing momentum in promoting sustainable energy solutions and expanding access to solar power across households.

The awards were presented by MNRE Minister Pralhad Joshi and senior ministry officials. The honours were received by Saidutta Biplab Keshari Pradhan, Additional Secretary of the Energy Department, Government of Odisha, along with officials from the state’s power distribution companies, marking a proud moment for Odisha’s energy administration and field teams.

Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo hailed the accomplishment as a testament to the collective efforts of government departments, DISCOMs and grassroots functionaries.

"Odisha is setting a shining example for the entire country in solar energy adoption. This recognition reinforces our commitment to environment-friendly development and lays the foundation for a self-reliant, energy-secure Odisha," the Deputy Chief Minister stated in a celebratory message.

Odisha’s stellar performance has been driven by robust policy support and dedicated budgetary allocations for rooftop solar initiatives. Innovative mechanisms such as the Utility-Led Aggregation (ULA) model have further simplified access to solar installations, reducing upfront barriers for residential consumers and enabling thousands of households to move towards zero electricity bills.

The state’s ambitious solar roadmap aims to bring the benefits of clean energy to three lakh families by 2027. To achieve this target, Odisha is continuing to strengthen its infrastructure, streamline inspection processes and expand its vendor ecosystem, ensuring that the transition to renewable energy remains transparent, efficient and accessible.

The latest recognition not only celebrates Odisha’s achievements in solar adoption but also signals the state’s growing leadership in advancing India’s green energy ambitions and building a sustainable future.