Native Enterprises proprietor I Sodangsoba Jamir on Friday announced employment opportunities for youths from Salangtem Ward while promoting the Rooftop Solar (RTS) Scheme under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana during the ward’s World Environment Day observance.
Speaking at Salangtem Community Hall, Jamir said the company would provide opportunities for both men and women as it expands its rooftop solar projects in the district.
Talking to Mokokchung Times after the program, Jamir said no degree would be required for the jobs. However, he said, trainings will be provided by the Native Enterprises.
During his presentation, Jamir spoke on the Rooftop Solar Scheme under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, which provides financial assistance to households installing solar panels to generate their own electricity.
Challenging the common perception that solar systems require high temperatures, Jamir said solar panels need sunlight rather than heat.
“People think solar requires heat, but it only requires sun rays,” he said, adding that Mokokchung and Kohima are among the most suitable locations for rooftop solar installations because of the availability of sunlight and favourable weather conditions.
He said rooftop solar systems can substantially reduce electricity bills, especially at a time when smart meters are gradually being introduced, while requiring very little maintenance.
The Native Enterprises will be installing the Rooftop Solars in about 12-13 consumers in Mokokchung town.
According to Jamir, the Government of India aims to facilitate rooftop solar installations in one crore households under the scheme. Nagaland target of around 10,000 households, with approximately 20 companies involved in implementation, including Native Enterprises.
He clarified that the scheme is available only to Indian citizens for private residential buildings and that commercial establishments are not eligible for subsidy benefits.
Explaining the process, Jamir said interested households would first undergo a site survey to assess electricity consumption based on appliances used in the home. A second survey would then examine the building structure and available rooftop space before quotations are prepared and agreements executed.
Following installation, the project report is submitted to the Power Department, after which the subsidy process is initiated.
For a 3-kilowatt rooftop solar system, he said the Government of India provides a subsidy of Rs 85,800 while the Government of Nagaland contributes an additional Rs 50,000.
Addressing concerns over subsidy payments, Jamir said beneficiaries need not worry, adding that installation companies would remain accountable throughout the process.
He also announced a flexible payment arrangement for interested households, stating that beneficiaries may initially pay Rs 80,000 and settle the remaining amount after receiving the subsidy.
Jamir further explained that solar consumers can avail net-metering facilities, allowing excess electricity generated by their systems to be sold to the government at a cost of Rs 2 per unit.
Meanwhile, speaking on the theme “My Waste, My Responsibility”, Salangtem Ward Sanitation In-charge Lanuwabang said Mokokchung generates more than 160 pickup-truck loads of waste every month.
He urged residents to take responsibility for the waste they generate and expressed concern that some people continue to dump waste into rivers and streams despite regular waste collection services reaching households.
Lanuwabang acknowledged facilities such as the 3Rs Centre and Material Recovery Facility established under the Mokokchung Municipal Council and encouraged citizens to make effective use of them. He also suggested that authorities explore solutions for hazardous waste disposal in the town.
Lanuakum, Deputy Chairperson of Mokokchung Municipal Council, and S Bendang, Chairman of Salangtem Ward Council, thanked Jamir for creating opportunities for local youths and described him as a “son of Salangtem” who was giving back to the community through entrepreneurship and employment generation.
Kichutip MMC Councillor Imkumniba Kichu also attended the program as an invitee.