PM-KUSUM Scheme Reaches Milestone of 5 Lakh Solar Pump Installations
The PM-KUSUM scheme has achieved a significant milestone by installing 5 lakh standalone solar pumps for farmers across India.
2-Minute Summary (TL;DR)
- PM-KUSUM achieved 5 lakh solar pump installations.
- Aims to de-dieselize the agricultural sector.
- Provides 60% subsidy for solar pump installations.
- Enhances energy security and income for farmers.
How This Topic is Tested in Competitive Exams
| Exam | Frequency | Approx. Marks | What Gets Asked |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSC (CGL / CHSL / MTS) | Very High | 5–8 | Government schemes are one of the most tested topics in SSC CGL and CHSL GK sections. |
| Banking (IBPS / SBI) | High | 4–6 | Financial inclusion schemes, Jan Dhan, PMSBY, and credit guarantee schemes are key banking exam topics. |
| UPSC / State PCS | High | 8–12 | UPSC tests implementation, target beneficiaries, and outcomes — not just scheme names. |
| State PCS / PSC | Very High | 6–10 | Both central and state schemes are tested extensively in state PCS papers. |
What to Memorize from This Topic
- Scheme: full name, ministry, launch date, objective
- Financial figures: allocation, beneficiaries reached so far
- Eligibility: who can benefit (age, income, gender, area)
- Implementing agency: central, state, or both
- Related amendments or extensions: any recent modifications to the scheme
Practice Questions
Q1. What is the primary objective of the PM-KUSUM scheme?
- Providing free electricity to urban areas
- Solarizing the agricultural sector
- Building large-scale solar parks
- Promoting electric vehicles
Explanation: The PM-KUSUM scheme aims to provide energy security to farmers and solarize the agricultural sector.
Q2. What percentage of subsidy is provided by the government for solar pumps under PM-KUSUM?
- 30%
- 50%
- 60%
- 75%
Explanation: The government provides a 60% subsidy (central and state combined) for solar pump installations under the scheme.
How to Prepare Government Schemes for Government Exams
Create a scheme log: Name | Ministry | Target | Key Feature. Add every new scheme as it appears. Review this weekly.
Focus on 'Flagship' schemes: PM-KISAN, PMAY, Ayushman Bharat, PM SVANidhi. These generate the most questions.
For UPSC, understand the policy objective behind the scheme — income support, housing, health insurance. The 'why' matters more than the name.
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