MNREDA accelerates solar push across Meghalaya’s schools, community halls and homes

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 17, 2025

Making significant strides in promoting renewable energy in the state, the Meghalaya New & Renewable Energy Development Agency (MNREDA) has initiated the installation of solar power systems at 63 BharatNet-1 sites across Meghalaya.

This installation covers government schools, Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) centres, and community halls. These efforts are aimed at ensuring a sustainable and reliable power supply for BharatNet infrastructure, thereby strengthening digital connectivity and encouraging clean energy adoption in rural areas, stated the Director of MNREDA.

Under the BharatNet initiative, the solarisation of 22 Government Lower Primary Schools is currently underway. Installation work has also commenced at the remaining sites, which include 8 secondary schools, 4 ICDS centres, and 29 community halls.

In addition, the solarisation of Lower Primary Schools under the Chief Minister’s Solar Mission has begun in East Garo Hills. A total of 125 schools—comprising 72 with 1.1 kVA systems and 53 with 2.2 kVA systems—are being equipped with off-grid inverter systems. A similar initiative is set to start in East Jaintia Hills, covering 123 schools with the same configurations.

Further, household electrification under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) is underway in East Khasi Hills (Mylliem Block). Solar hybrid inverter systems are being installed for 492 beneficiaries, including 352 systems of 0.85 kVA and 140 systems of 1.7 kVA. Additional installations will also benefit 354 households in North and East Garo Hills, with 253 systems of 0.85 kVA and 101 systems of 1.7 kVA to be installed.

These initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to inclusive rural development through expanded clean energy access, contributing to better livelihoods and enhanced digital empowerment, the Director added.