New Delhi: Pradip Kumar Das, Chairman and Managing Director of the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd (IREDA), has been felicitated by the Pravasi Odia Vikash Samiti, New Delhi, and the Institute For EQSH Research Council. The honor comes as India intensifies its efforts to accelerate solar power adoption, a key agenda for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a self-reliant and green energy future.
Shri Das, a seasoned professional with over 32 years of diversified experience, including 28+ years in CPSEs like IREDA, ITDC, and REC, has been instrumental in driving IREDA’s exceptional performance since taking the helm in May 2020. Under his dynamic leadership, IREDA has achieved unprecedented growth, transitioning from a Miniratna to a Schedule-A Navratna organization, setting new benchmarks in corporate governance.
His recognition coincides with the nation’s robust push towards solar energy, notably through the Prime Minister’s PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. This ambitious scheme aims to provide free electricity to one crore households by facilitating the installation of rooftop solar panels with significant subsidies and easy financing options. The initiative seeks to empower citizens to generate their own electricity, reduce household expenses, and contribute to India’s renewable energy goals.
IREDA, under Shri Das’s guidance, is playing a crucial role in supporting these national objectives. The agency has consistently emphasized its commitment to renewable energy financing, including decentralized generation projects under the Solar Rooftop and PM KUSUM schemes. Recent reports indicate IREDA’s plans to establish a retail subsidiary specifically to handle retail business under schemes like PM-Suryaghar (Rooftop Solar) and PM-KUSUM, further streamlining financial access for individual beneficiaries.
Shri Das’s leadership has seen IREDA achieve record loan sanctions and disbursements, with a robust growth in its loan book. This strong financial backing is critical for the success of large-scale solar initiatives like the PM Surya Ghar scheme, which requires substantial investment and seamless financial mechanisms to reach its target of 30 GW of solar capacity from residential rooftop installations by March 2027.
The award to Shri Das highlights not only his personal contributions but also the pivotal role of institutions like IREDA in realizing the Prime Minister’s vision for a solar-powered India, fostering energy independence and a sustainable environment for all.