Solar Street Lights Become Major Issue in Bihar Assembly; NDA MLAs Question Their Own Government, Minister Deepak Prakash Responds

Solar Street Lights Become Major Issue in Bihar Assembly; NDA MLAs Question Their Own Government, Minister Deepak Prakash Responds

Patna: The third day of the Bihar Legislature's Monsoon Session witnessed an important discussion on the condition of solar street lights installed across the state. The issue was raised prominently in the Bihar Legislative Assembly, not by the opposition, but by legislators from the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Concerned over the large number of non-functional solar lights in their constituencies, several NDA MLAs questioned their own government and sought a detailed response from the concerned minister.

Responding to the concerns, Minister Deepak Prakash assured the House that the government is committed to ensuring the effective implementation of the solar lighting scheme. He said that repair work has already been initiated in areas where complaints regarding faulty solar lights have been received.

Solar Street Lights Dominate Assembly Proceedings

During Question Hour on the third day of the Monsoon Session, several legislators highlighted the poor condition of solar street lights in both rural and urban areas.

NDA MLAs informed the Assembly that a significant number of solar street lights installed in their constituencies had either stopped functioning or were operating improperly.

They pointed out that these lights were installed to improve public convenience and ensure safety in villages, towns, and urban areas. However, due to inadequate maintenance, many of them have become non-functional, causing inconvenience to local residents.

The legislators asked the government what measures had been taken to repair the faulty lights and whether any action would be initiated against agencies responsible for poor maintenance.

Ruling Party Legislators Seek Accountability

Several NDA legislators said that people in their constituencies have been continuously complaining about malfunctioning solar street lights.

They stated that in many villages, the lights have remained out of service for months, creating safety concerns and making it difficult for residents to travel after sunset.

The MLAs emphasized that government welfare schemes can be considered successful only if proper maintenance is ensured after implementation.

They also asked whether the government had conducted a statewide survey to identify non-functional solar lights and if a timeline had been established for their repair.

Minister Deepak Prakash Responds

Replying to the questions, Minister Deepak Prakash said that the Bihar government is actively promoting renewable energy and remains committed to expanding the use of solar-powered infrastructure.

He acknowledged that complaints regarding faulty solar street lights had been received from several locations across the state.

The minister informed the House that concerned officials have been instructed to investigate all complaints and ensure necessary repairs wherever technical faults or maintenance issues have been identified.

He assured legislators that the government is fully committed to making the solar lighting programme effective and that residents would not be allowed to face prolonged inconvenience.

Maintenance System to Be Strengthened

The minister further stated that the government is working to improve the maintenance mechanism for solar street lights.

He said agencies responsible for installation and maintenance have been directed to conduct regular inspections and replace defective equipment without delay.

According to the minister, district administrations and departmental officials are also monitoring complaints to ensure prompt resolution of issues.

Importance of Solar Lights in Rural Areas

Thousands of solar street lights have been installed across Bihar, particularly in rural areas, to improve public safety and strengthen basic infrastructure.

These lights illuminate village roads, panchayat buildings, schools, health centres, and other public spaces, making travel safer for women, students, and local residents during the night.

However, due to inadequate maintenance in some locations, people have not been able to enjoy the full benefits of the scheme.

Demand for Greater Accountability

Legislators also demanded that agencies responsible for installing and maintaining the solar street lights be held accountable.

They argued that if publicly funded infrastructure fails to function properly, the government must identify the responsible agencies and take appropriate action whenever necessary.

The members stressed that accountability is essential for ensuring the long-term success of public welfare projects.

Government Assures Improvements

The government assured the Assembly that the solar lighting scheme is being reviewed regularly.

According to the minister, districts where complaints have been reported will receive priority attention, and repair work will be completed as quickly as possible.

He emphasized that the government's objective is not merely to launch welfare schemes but also to ensure their sustained and effective implementation through continuous monitoring.

Opposition Also Expresses Concern

Although the issue was initially raised by NDA legislators, opposition members also highlighted similar complaints from their constituencies.

They said promoting solar energy is an important step toward sustainable development but stressed that the success of such initiatives depends on regular maintenance and efficient management.

Focus on Better Public Services

Experts believe that solar street lights not only help conserve energy but also contribute significantly to environmental protection and rural development.

With proper maintenance, these installations can continue providing reliable lighting for many years while reducing electricity costs and promoting clean energy.

The Bihar government has been actively encouraging the use of renewable energy, and the discussion in the Assembly reflects the importance legislators place on ensuring that public welfare schemes function effectively.

For now, the government has assured the House that repairs and maintenance of faulty solar street lights will be expedited. Residents across the state will now be watching to see how quickly these assurances are translated into action and when the non-functional solar lights begin illuminating Bihar's streets once again.