Aim:

The primary objective of the ‘Seva Bhoj Yojna’ is to provide financial assistance for Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) and the Central Government’s share of Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST). This applies to the purchase of specific raw food items by Charitable/Religious Institutions, such as Gurudwaras, Temples, Dharmik Ashrams, Mosques, Dargahs, Churches, Math, Monasteries, etc., facilitating the distribution of free food to the public.

Extent:

This centrally oriented scheme focuses on reimbursing CGST and the Central Government’s share of IGST incurred by charitable/religious institutions when acquiring specific raw food items for the altruistic provision of free food to the public/devotees. Eligibility is restricted to institutions qualifying under the scheme.

Supported Activities:

Financial aid is accorded on a First-cum-First Serve basis, linked to the availability of funds, for activities like providing free ‘Prasad,’ free food, or free ‘Langar’/’Bhandara’ (community kitchen) by charitable/religious entities such as Gurudwaras, Temples, Dharmik Ashrams, Mosques, Dargahs, Churches, Math, Monasteries, etc.

Outcomes:

Beneficiary institutions are obligated to submit a detailed Performance-cum-Achievement Report at the commencement of each financial year. The report encompasses the location of free food services, cost of food items, GST details, the number of days and individuals served free food monthly, and a set of monthly photographs showcasing the free food services.

Fund Disbursement:

Funds are disbursed to institutions based on verified claims approved by GST authorities. The Refund Sanction Order is issued by the GST Authority.

Oversight and Evaluation:

Ministry officials or authorized representatives conduct annual inspections in at least 5% of cases. State and UT administrations, District Collectors/Dy. Commissioners, and State GST authorities also participate in monitoring the scheme. Institutions/Organizations receiving assistance are subject to inspection/audit by designated officers.

Penalties for Misuse:

Executive body members are liable for recovery in case of misuse, and organizations face blacklisting for fraudulent activities. Assets created from government grants may be seized by local administration as per Ministry directives. Recovery of assistance with penal interest and legal actions may ensue.

Advantages:

Financial assistance, in the form of reimbursement, is granted for GST payments on specified raw food items, including Ghee, Edible oil, Sugar/Burra/Jaggery, Rice, Atta/Maida/Rava/Flour, and Pulses.

Eligibility Criteria:

Institutions must be Public Trusts, societies, body corporates, organizations, or entities involved in charitable/religious activities for at least three years. They should have distributed free food to a minimum of 5000 people monthly for the past three years and not be recipients of government financial aid for free food distribution.

Exclusions:

Institutions/Organizations blacklisted under FCRA or any Central/State Government Act/Rules are ineligible.

Application Process:

Online application steps include registration on the Darpan Portal of NITI Aayog, enrollment in the CSMS Portal of the Ministry of Culture, and submission of required documents.

Procedure for Claiming Reimbursement:

This involves a single nodal Central Tax officer in each State/UT, registration with the officer, and submission of reimbursement applications on a quarterly basis.

Required Documents:

Documents include Registration Certificate, Memorandum/Article of Association, Audited Accounts, Annual Reports, and self-certification of free food distribution for three years. Other essential documents, such as PAN/TAN, office bearers’ details, and bank authorization, are also necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Objective of the scheme?
• Initiating ministry?
• Central Sector Scheme?
• Launch date?
• Scope of the scheme?
• Types of supported activities?
• Benefits of the scheme?
• Creation of financial assistance?
• Eligible institutions/organizations?
• Institution age requirement?
• Minimum people served monthly?
• Application process?

Sources And References:

Official Website

In a recent ceremony, our country’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, inaugurated the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. Following this significant event, on January 22, 2024, Prime Minister Modi introduced the PM Suryodaya Yojana. The objective behind this initiative is to alleviate the electricity expenses of individuals belonging to the lower economic strata. Through PM Suryodaya Yojana, over one crore rooftop solar installations are planned for households of the economically disadvantaged in the nation.

The installation of rooftop solar panels, facilitated by this scheme, eliminates the need for individuals to pay conventional electricity bills, leading to financial savings. Consequently, PM Modi’s visionary program contributes to the self-sufficiency of the energy sector, particularly benefiting the middle and lower-income segments. If you’re considering applying for PM Suryodaya Yojana, it’s imperative to familiarize yourself with its goals, eligibility criteria, online registration, application process, and adhere meticulously to all associated guidelines.

PM Suryodaya Yojana 2024

Upon his return from Ayodhya, PM Modi officially launched the PM Suryodaya Yojana on January 22, 2024. This scheme involves the installation of rooftop solar panels on the homes of individuals belonging to the middle and lower economic classes. The primary aim is to enable them to generate sufficient electricity, leading to a reduction in their electricity bills. Consequently, the initiative achieves self-sustainability in the energy sector.

The Pradhanmantri Suryoday Yojana intends to provide assistance to the financially underprivileged and those categorized under the Below Poverty Line (BPL), specifically addressing power-related challenges. The overarching goal is to infuse vibrancy into every household in India. Prospective applicants seeking details on the registration process for Pradhanmantri Suryoday Yojana in 2024 can find comprehensive information in this article.

Key Aspects of PM Suryodaya Yojana 2024

• Name Of Post: PM Suryodaya Yojana
• Started By: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji
• Started In Which Country: India
• Objective: To reduce power bills
• Beneficiary: All individuals from the poor and middle-class strata in the country
• Application Mode: Online
• Launch Date: January 22, 2024
• Official Website: https://solarrooftop.gov.in/

Objective of PM Suryoday Yojana

The Suryodaya Yojana, spearheaded by the Modi government, aims to alleviate the burden of electricity bills for the citizens of the country. This is achieved through the installation of rooftop solar panels, for which the government provides subsidies. Even the most economically disadvantaged can avail themselves of this scheme. The central authorities have set a target to equip one crore households across the nation with solar panels in the near future.

PM Yojana Registration 2024

The Prime Minister has introduced the Pradhan Mantri Suryoday Yojana and will soon initiate the application process. Prospective applicants, particularly those belonging to the BPL or impoverished categories, can easily register for PM Suryoday Yojana by visiting the official site. To reap the benefits of the scheme, it is crucial to complete the registration before the specified deadline. Once the registration link is activated on the website, individuals can proceed with the registration process.

Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for this scheme are outlined below:

• Residential Status: Applicant must be Indian.
• Income Criteria: Specific income standards are in place to ensure the scheme benefits those in need.
• Property Ownership: Ownership of the property where the solar panels will be installed is a criterion.
• Previous Beneficiaries: Priority is given to those who have not previously benefited from similar government-sponsored solar energy schemes.

Key Features of PM Suryodaya Yojana

• Target Audience: The scheme aims to benefit one crore families, focusing on reducing electricity bills for the poor and middle class.
• Energy Self-reliance: Through the installation of rooftop solar systems, the scheme aims to diminish India’s reliance on conventional power sources, moving towards sustainable energy practices.
• Market Implications: The initiative is expected to benefit businesses involved in solar panel installation and related infrastructure, potentially opening up long-term investment opportunities.

Benefits Of PM Suryodaya Yojana

Citizens of the country stand to gain the following benefits under Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana:

• Electricity bills for poor and middle-class citizens will be significantly reduced.
• Rooftop solar installations on the homes of one crore economically disadvantaged citizens will generate electricity, providing 24-hour power supply to every residence in the country.
• The nation will achieve self-sufficiency in the energy sector.
• Citizens can allocate a smaller portion of their income to power bills.
• The issue of free electricity in the country may be resolved through this scheme.
• Poor and middle-class citizens can effortlessly access electricity without the burden of paying bills, fostering self-reliance.

PM Suryoday Yojana Documents Required

For the registration process of Pradhanmantri Suryoday Yojana, candidates must provide the following documents for verification:

• Applicant’s Aadhar card
• Applicant’s income certificates
• Domicile certificate
• Mobile number
• Electricity bill
• Bank passbook
• Passport-size photo
• Ration card

PM Suryodaya Yojana Application Process

1. Visit the official website of PM Suryodaya Yojana: https://solarrooftop.gov.in/
2. Explore the scheme details and click on the apply button.
3. Enter all the necessary information.
4. Upload the required documents.
5. Submit your application for approval.
6. Download a copy of the application for future reference