India has set a solar energy ‎target of 175 GW of power by 2022 and has already achieved 20 GW, India’s minister of state for external affairs, Gen. (Retd.) V.K. Singh has said.

Addressing a gathering of prominent members of the Indian community, Singh said they the result of this achievement has been that the prices of solar energy has come down.

“This has also had an effect on other renewable energy sources such as wind and has helped a lot of people. The day is not far when roof-top solar, which allows individual consumer to use for electricity, will become a norm,” he said.

“It will have tremendous spin off. India has ‎made giant strides in this direction and will continue to move forward, he said.

Singh said that at least 70 million families have benefited from a government scheme called Ujjwala Yojana (electrification scheme) which has brought gas connections home to these people.

“Similarly Ayushman Bhaarat Yojana, a scheme launched by the Indian government recently, is the world’s biggest health care scheme, which will benefit 100 million families,” he said.

Singh highlighted the need for meeting the objectives of sustainable development goals‎ (SDGs) and also the need to fight terror.

He said that the proxy voting will soon be made available for Indians living abroad and other issues are being addressed.

“For transferring of mortal remains to India, we are considering various proposals and we will announce a decision soon,” ‎he said.

Last Update: Wednesday, 20 May 2020 KSA 09:54 - GMT 06:54