The Government of India is considering expanding the scope of the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana to include support for induction cooktops, as global energy disruptions linked to the Iran conflict raise concerns over fuel security and dependence on imported LPG.

Senior-level discussions are underway, with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy working to finalise policy details aimed at promoting not only ownership but actual adoption and regular use of electric cooking appliances. The move is part of a broader strategy to strengthen household energy resilience and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

India currently has more than 320 million active LPG connections, including nearly 100 million beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana. Policymakers believe that integrating electric cooking with rooftop solar systems can significantly lower fuel import dependency while improving energy affordability for households.

The government is evaluating a two-pronged approach to accelerate this transition—encouraging domestic manufacturing of induction appliances and boosting consumer adoption through fiscal incentives. Proposed measures include tax reductions on induction cooktops, lower customs duties on essential components, and a proposal from the commerce ministry to reduce GST on such appliances from 18% to 5%.

Stakeholder consultations are currently ongoing to address supply-chain constraints, pricing concerns, and implementation challenges. If implemented, the initiative could accelerate the adoption of solar-powered cooking solutions, support domestic manufacturing, and strengthen India’s long-term clean energy and energy security objectives.

The proposed expansion reflects India’s growing focus on integrating decentralised renewable energy into everyday household consumption, making rooftop solar not just a source of electricity generation but also a practical tool for reducing fuel costs and enhancing sustainability.