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APSC Answer Writing (Daily) based on Assam Tribune – 21/06/2025

For APSC CCE and other Assam Competitive examinations aspirants, practicing Daily Answer Writing is vital. This blog covers the most important Main question and its model Answer from the Assam Tribune today (21-06-2025).

📝 Mains Question:

Q. “Rooftop solar is not only a clean energy solution but a powerful tool for decentralized development.” Examine the potential and challenges of rooftop solar in Assam, and suggest a roadmap to scale it effectively.

📘 Model Answer

Introduction

As India aims for net zero emissions by 2070, decentralized renewable energy solutions are gaining prominence. Rooftop solar (RTS) is one such solution, especially critical for a land-constrained, climate-vulnerable state like Assam. A 2025 study by iFOREST revealed Assam’s RTS potential to be 13,428 MW, which could generate over 1.8 lakh jobs and help meet both climate and livelihood goals.

Significance of Rooftop Solar in Assam

Area	Benefit
🌱 Environmental	Reduces dependence on fossil fuels, mitigates climate change
⚡ Energy Access	Provides reliable power to rural and urban households
👷 Employment	Estimated 14 direct jobs per MW – high labour intensity
🏘️ Urban Sustainability	Uses idle roof space, reduces peak load on grid
🏛️ Fiscal Relief	Cuts power subsidy burden on state exchequer

Major Challenges in Scaling RTS in Assam

Challenge	Explanation
💸 High Upfront Cost	Despite subsidies, initial investment remains unaffordable for many
📡 Grid Integration	DISCOMs face issues with net-metering and bidirectional flows
👷 Skilled Workforce Shortage	Few trained technicians in rural areas
📣 Low Awareness	Citizens unaware of financial and environmental benefits
🏦 Financing Bottlenecks	Limited access to green loans, high interest rates

Government Initiatives

PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana – Central subsidy up to ₹78,000 for residential RTS
Integrated Clean Energy Policy, Assam (2025) – Targets 1,900 MW by 2030
State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC) – Focus on decentralized energy
APDCL’s online RTS portal – Simplified application and vendor empanelment
Skill India Mission – Solar technician training in ITIs (limited implementation)

Way Forward: A 5-Step Roadmap

Step	Action Point
1️⃣ Policy Revision	Scale up state RTS target to 5,000 MW by 2030
2️⃣ Finance Innovation	Solar-specific loan products via NABARD, cooperative banks
3️⃣ Awareness Campaigns	Village-level IEC using vernacular mediums (Assamese/Bodo)
4️⃣ Workforce Skilling	Create solar training hubs in Barpeta, Silchar, and Dibrugarh
5️⃣ Smart Net-Metering	Upgrade DISCOM infra with AI-based energy management tools

Conclusion

Rooftop solar can serve as a triple dividend opportunity for Assam – reducing emissions, creating jobs, and improving energy access. Realizing its potential will require political will, people’s participation, and private sector innovation. If done right, Assam can become a model for decentralized clean energy leadership in India’s Northeast.

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