Can a Rs 10,000 Subsidy Bring Biogas Back to Indian Homes?

The Indian Biogas Association (IBA) is making a fresh pitch to the government: offer a Rs 10,000 subsidy for every household biogas plant, and let’s bring millions of idle units back to life. If you’re wondering why this matters, here’s what’s at stake.

 

What’s the Proposal?

The IBA wants the government to spend Rs 5,000 crore to revive about 50 lakh household biogas plants that already exist but aren’t being used much. The idea is simple: with a one-time grant of Rs 10,000 per plant, families could repair or upgrade their units and start using biogas for cooking again.

 

Why Now?

A lot of these biogas plants were built years ago but fell into disuse because of poor maintenance, lack of funding, or just not enough support. Meanwhile, the government spends huge amounts on subsidizing LPG for rural households. If even a fraction of these biogas units get back up and running, it could save the government thousands of crores every year and give rural families a steady, clean source of cooking fuel.

 

What Else Is the IBA Suggesting?

The association wants this plan to work like the Swachh Bharat Mission did for toilets: simple, direct support to get people on board. They also recommend regular maintenance checks and user training, so the plants don’t fall into neglect again. Linking the scheme with other rural energy and waste programs could make it even more effective.

 

What’s Next?

The government is looking at the proposal. If it goes through, this could be a big step for rural energy independence and a cleaner environment.

 

Sources: Economic Times, Business Standard, Daily Excelsior, Rediff, The Week, IBA, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy