The extension follows instructions issued on continuation of the public-funded online programme by the Ministry of Finance on 10 January 2020, which has been approved. The off-grid and decentralised solar PV applications programme Phase-III was launched by MNRE on 7 August 2018 and slated to be valid for FY18-19 and FY19-20.

As per the notice issued by the Ministry, the government agencies will continue to implement the programme as per previous guidelines and amendments. During the extension period, sanction of new projects under the programme will be available only in the North-East region.

In addition, solar power packs will be installed only under the Renewable Energy Service Company (RESCO) model. The detailed guidelines for implementation and subsidy disbursement mechanism under RESCO mode will be issued separately.

Under this programme, the Ministry aims at providing solar-based applications in areas where grid power is either unavailable or unreliable. Applications such as solar home lighting systems, solar street lighting systems, solar power projects, solar pumps, solar lanterns, and solar study lamps are covered under the programme.

Under Phase-I of the programme from 2010-13, the target was 200 MW against which 253 MW was approved. Under Phase-II from 2013-17, the target was 500 MW, while 713 MW was approved. Under Phase-III, the government was targeting installation of 118 MW solar power capacity by 31 March 2020.