A pre-budget meeting with key stakeholders from the solar industry was held at the Mantralaya, Goa, chaired by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant, in the presence of Gaurish Pilgaonkar, Managing Director of Goa Energy Development Agency (GEDA), and Sohan Uskaikar, Director, Department of New & Renewable Energy (DNRE). The meeting was attended by representatives of the Solar Power Association of Goa (SPAG), including Mr. Amol S. Shirodkar (President), Mr. Larson D’Sa (Secretary), and Mr. Mayuresh Upadhyay (Treasurer).
During the meeting, SPAG presented the remarkable growth trajectory of the solar sector in Goa, highlighting a 10-times growth in solar installations following the implementation of the PM Suryaghar Muft Bijli Yojana. The association emphasized that the additional State subsidy of ₹22,500 per kW announced by the Government of Goa acted as a key turning point, significantly accelerating rooftop solar adoption across the state over the last two years.
The association further shared that the policy and scheme have led to the creation of 75 new entrepreneurs in the solar sector, generating 750+ direct employments and over 2,000 indirect employment opportunities in Goa. SPAG President praised the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant for this revolutionary decision that has strengthened Goa’s renewable energy ecosystem.
To maintain the growth momentum and align with Goa’s commitment towards achieving Net Zero targets by 2030, the Hon’ble Chief Minister assured that the existing solar policy would be extended until 31st March 2028, providing long-term stability and confidence to industry stakeholders and consumers alike.
The association also requested the allocation of ₹80 Crore towards subsidy support in the upcoming State Budget. The Hon’ble Chief Minister responded positively and stated that the proposal would be discussed with the concerned officials, and appropriate provisions would be considered in the current State Budget.
The meeting concluded on a constructive note, with SPAG formally handing over its proposed budget memorandum to the Hon’ble Chief Minister for consideration.