Project expected to significantly improve rural connectivity while promoting adoption of sustainable energy sources
SHILLONG, July 17: In a move aimed at reinforcing digital infrastructure while advancing the state’s clean energy agenda, the Meghalaya New & Renewable Energy Development Agency (MNREDA) has begun installing solar power systems across 63 BharatNet Phase-1 locations in the state.
The initiative spans a range of public institutions, including government schools, Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) centres and community halls. Designed to provide uninterrupted power for BharatNet operations, the project is expected to significantly improve rural connectivity while promoting the adoption of sustainable energy sources.
Work is currently under way to solarise 22 government lower primary schools as part of the BharatNet-linked installations. Simultaneously, installations have also started at other identified locations, including eight secondary schools, four ICDS centres and 29 community halls.
Parallel efforts under the Chief Minister’s Solar Mission have also gained momentum, particularly in East Garo Hills. There, 125 lower primary schools are being equipped with off-grid inverter systems—72 with 1.1 kVA capacity and the remaining 53 with 2.2 kVA systems. A similar rollout is planned for East Jaintia Hills, where 123 schools are expected to receive the same configurations.
Meanwhile, household-level electrification under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) is progressing in Mylliem Block of East Khasi Hills. As part of this effort, 492 beneficiaries are being equipped with solar hybrid inverter systems—352 with 0.85 kVA units and 140 with 1.7 kVA units. An additional 354 households in North and East Garo Hills are also set to benefit, with 253 systems of 0.85 kVA and 101 systems of 1.7 kVA planned for installation.
MNREDA officials view these interventions as part of a broader push towards inclusive rural development.
By combining access to clean energy with improved digital infrastructure, the agency hopes to contribute meaningfully to livelihood enhancement and digital empowerment across underserved regions of the state.
