The government has announced plans to provide concessional loans to economically disadvantaged citizens, enabling them to invest in hydropower projects without collateral.
The initiative of the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation aims to improve the living standards of poor households by offering them opportunities to own shares in hydropower projects under the People's Hydropower Project scheme. This program is part of a broader effort to foster national prosperity, the ministry stated.
As per the scheme, eligible households can secure loans ranging from Rs 200,000 to Rs 500,000 without collateral, depending on the capacity of the hydropower projects. Energy Minister Deepak Khadka made this announcement during a press conference held at the Ministry on Monday.
“All citizens have rights over resources. Prosperity will remain a distant dream if we fail to uplift the poor,” the state-run national news agency RSS quoted Minister Khadka as saying. He added that shares in hydropower projects would be allocated based on households to ensure inclusive participation.
Describing the initiative as an economic revolution, Minister Khadka stated that it aims to enhance the financial status of poor citizens and civil servants with limited income. According to RSS, the scheme will initially target poor households in hydropower-affected districts and areas with transmission line infrastructure, with plans for nationwide implementation in phases.
The government will identify eligible beneficiaries using household data provided by local governments, ensuring that shares are allocated transparently.
Experts believe this program represents a significant step towards empowering economically marginalized groups and contributing to the nation’s energy development goals.
