Government-Sponsored Solar Scheme in Controversy: Allegations of Vendor Fraud and System Mismatch Spark Public Outrage
Consumers Struggle with Delays, Faulty Installations, and Financial Losses Under the Solar Scheme
||Black and White Digital News ||
||Parvinder Singh March 22,2025 ||
JAMMU :A serious case of mismanagement and possible fraud has surfaced in a government-sponsored solar scheme, sparking widespread concerns. A viral social media post by an affected beneficiary has shed light on major irregularities, raising questions about vendor accountability, government oversight, and financial exploitation of consumers.
The Beneficiary’s Struggle: A Timeline of Issues
1. Loan Sanctioned & Vendor Assigned:
• Before December 16, 2024, the beneficiary’s case was approved under the solar scheme, and a loan was sanctioned through a bank.
• The Power Development Department (PDD) assigned a vendor to install a Luminous solar system, in line with the approved scheme.
2. Repeated Delays & Excuses:
• The vendor repeatedly postponed installation, citing the unavailability of Luminous solar systems.
• Despite multiple follow-ups, the installation did not take place for months, leaving the beneficiary in uncertainty.
3. Sudden Change of System Without Consumer Consent:
• Recently, the vendor informed the consumer that Luminous had been blacklisted by the government, an unexpected claim that had not been publicly communicated.
• The vendor then gave the consumer a choice among other brands, eventually leading to an agreement for the installation of an Adani solar system.
4. Installation Day: Mismatched Equipment Delivered:
• When the installation team arrived, the beneficiary was shocked to find that while the solar panels were from Adani, the inverter and other equipment were from Livpure, a brand not agreed upon.
• This mix-and-match of components raises concerns over efficiency, warranty claims, and the overall reliability of the system.
5. Loan EMI Deducted Despite Issues
• The bank had provided a three-month moratorium on EMI payments after loan disbursement.
• However, despite the discrepancies in the installation, the bank started deducting full loan installments, putting financial pressure on the consumer.
6. Technical Violation: Three-Phase Connection Given Single-Phase System
• The consumer’s home has a three-phase electricity connection, but the installed solar system was single-phase, making it incompatible and potentially causing major efficiency losses.
• This technical oversight could lead to unstable power supply, reduced energy efficiency, and equipment damage over time.
Key Concerns & Issues Exposed:
1. Vendor Manipulation & Lack of Transparency
• Why did the vendor delay the installation for months?
• Was Luminous actually blacklisted, and if so, why were consumers not informed earlier?
• Why was an unauthorized brand (Livpure) installed without prior approval from the beneficiary?
2. Lack of Government Oversight:
• Who monitors vendor activities and ensures that they follow the scheme’s guidelines?
• If vendors can arbitrarily change equipment without consumer consent, how can the integrity of government schemes be trusted?
• What action will be taken against vendors found guilty of misleading beneficiaries?
3. Financial Exploitation of Beneficiaries:
• Why did the bank start deducting EMIs despite the fact that the installation did not match the sanctioned specifications?
• Should consumers be forced to pay full installments for a faulty and incomplete system?
• What protections exist for other consumers facing similar issues under the scheme?
Who is Responsible?
• Power Development Department (PDD): Failed to ensure the vendor provided the originally sanctioned system.
• The Vendor: Misled the consumer, delayed the process, and installed different equipment than agreed upon.
• The Bank: Started EMI deductions prematurely, despite unresolved issues in the installation.
• The Government: Has not set up a proper grievance redressal system for affected consumers.
Call for Urgent Action & Investigation:
This case is not just an isolated incident but could be a systemic issue affecting multiple consumers under the solar scheme. To prevent further exploitation, the following immediate steps need to be taken:
1. A full investigation into vendor misconduct, including whether they are altering equipment for profit.
2. Transparency from the government regarding the blacklisting of Luminous and whether other brands are facing similar issues.
3. Strict action against vendors who mislead consumers and fail to deliver what was promised.
4. Suspension of EMI deductions for affected consumers until the issues are fully resolved.
5. Establishment of a grievance redressal mechanism for beneficiaries facing installation-related disputes.
A Bigger Question: Is the Government Solar Scheme Being Exploited?
The viral social media post has raised a larger issue: Are government-backed solar schemes being used as a cover for vendor manipulation and financial exploitation? The public deserves transparency, accountability, and a fair system that truly benefits consumers rather than burdening them with defective installations and financial losses.
As more beneficiaries come forward with similar complaints, the pressure is now on the authorities to act swiftly and restore faith in the solar scheme.
