The court emphasizes the necessity of a verification process for vendor empanelment under the Pradhan Mantri Solar Scheme to protect beneficiaries' interests.

CM APPL. 37021/2024 (seeking exemption) 1. Exemption is granted, subject to all just exceptions.

2. The Petitioner shall file legible and clearer copies of exempted documents, compliant with practice rules, before the next date of hearing.

3. Accordingly, the application stands disposed of. W.P.(C) 9055/2024 4. Petitioner asserts that he engaged Respondent No. 4, one of the vendors empanelled by Respondent No. 2 under the Pradhan Mantri Solar Scheme, for supply and installation of a 10-kW solar panel system on the rooftop of his residence. He submits that this engagement was done on the understanding that Respondent No. 4 was a credible vendor given the system of empanelment of vendors in terms of Office Memorandum dated 10th June, 20221. However, despite having paid an advance amount of INR 4,12,576/- to such a vendor, the installation of solar panel system has not been done.

5. On the first instance, the Court had gathered that the present petition embodies is a private dispute between the Petitioner and the Respondent No.4. However, Mr. K. L. Manhas, Petitioner in person, has drawn the Court’s attention to the said O.M., which specifies as follows: “Office Memorandum Subject: Simplification of Procedure- Rooftop Solar Programme Ph-ll.

This is in continuation of this Ministry’s OM of even no. dated 02.02.2022. vide which simplification of procedure for installation of residential grid connected rooftop solar plants was conveyed.

2. In this regard, a National Portal, www.solarrooftop.gov.in, is being designed and will be launched soon. The process for installation of rooftop solar plants, starting from registering the applications to release of subsidy in residential consumers’ (beneficiaries’) bank account after installation and inspection of plaint, can be tracked online at the national portal.

3. In order to protect the interests of beneficiaries and ensure that the vendors installing the rooftop solar plants have the requisite expertise, follow minimum specifications and standards specified by the Ministry and maintain the plant for at least five years from the date of installation, it has been decided that such vendors have to register/empanel themselves with the beneficiaries’ Distribution Utility (DISCOM).

4. The vendors currently empanelled with the beneficiaries’ DISCOM through tendering process under RTS Programme Ph-II will be considered as empanelled vendors for this purpose. Other vendors willing to register/empanel themselves ln the Programme under simplified procedure may get themselves registered with the consumers’ DISCOM by 1 “O.M.” submitting application along with declaration (as per Annexure) and depositing a PBG of Rs. 2,50,000/- (Rupee Two Lakh Fifty Thousand only) valid for at least five years. The vendors can submit the application at the Division/Circle level and the name of the vendor will be included in the list of registered/empanelled vendors within a period of one month from the date of submission of the application. Registration/empanelment of vendors will be valid initially for one year from the date of empanelment and can be renewed thereafter on yearly basis. The DISCOM will notify the registered/empanelled vendors on its website for information of residential consumers and update the same every month.

5. The registered/empanelled vendor selected by the beneficiaries will conduct the physical survey to assess the RTS capacity and guide the beneficiary on the RTS capacity that can be installed in the beneficiary’s premises considering technical and financial parameters. The vendor shall also provide assistance to the beneficiary in getting necessary approvals, installing the net-meter and facilitating inspection by the DISCOM.

6. In case of any misleading information is provided by any vendor or conditions mentioned in the declaration are not met, the DISCOM will take action against the registered/empanelled vendor including blacklisting and forfeiture of PBG.

7. The subsidy available under the s