Latest Public Information Bulletin Updates from July 17, 2025
In a strategic move to bolster its renewable energy endeavours, NLC India Limited (NLCIL) has received a special exemption from the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, to invest ₹7,000 crore in its subsidiary, NLC India Renewables Limited (NIRL), without the need for prior approvals.
This investment will provide greater operational and financial flexibility to NLCIL and NIRL, enabling them to accelerate their renewable energy ambitions. The move is expected to generate significant employment opportunities during project construction and operation, supporting local economies and inclusive growth.
NLCIL currently operates seven renewable energy assets totalling 2 GW capacity, which will be transferred to NIRL as part of this investment. This expansion will propel NIRL towards its target of achieving 10.11 GW capacity by 2030 and 32 GW by 2047.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, a six-year initiative starting from 2025-26, aims to accelerate agricultural development in 100 selected districts across India. The scheme targets enhancing agricultural productivity, promoting crop diversification, and encouraging sustainable agricultural practices.
The investment exemption for NLCIL is in line with India's international climate commitments, including achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030 and the net zero carbon emissions target by 2070.
On the agricultural front, NIRL is exploring new opportunities, including participation in competitive renewable energy project bidding. The scheme, with an annual budget of ₹24,000 crore, is designed for saturation-based convergence, meaning all relevant schemes are delivered synergistically to maximize benefits at the farmer’s doorstep.
The scheme operates through the convergence of 36 existing schemes across 11 central ministries, combined with state initiatives and partnerships with the private sector. A District Dhan-Dhaanya Samiti is constituted in each selected district, headed by the district Collector and including progressive farmers, to prepare a customized District Agriculture and Allied Activities Plan.
The selection ensures representation of at least one district from every state and union territory, with allocations based on net cropped area and number of operational holdings. Implementation progress is tracked via a real-time digital dashboard monitoring 117 key performance indicators (KPIs), with monthly updates to ensure transparency and responsiveness.
The expected beneficiaries are approximately 1.7 crore farmers directly across the 100 districts, aiming to boost agricultural productivity, diversify crops, improve irrigation infrastructure, expand credit access, and strengthen post-harvest storage capacity at block and panchayat levels.
By uplifting these backward districts, the scheme targets an overall improvement in national agricultural indicators, enhancing farmer incomes and supporting the Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) vision. District-level farmer participation ensures local relevance and ownership, while alignment with national goals such as natural and organic farming expansion fosters sustainability.
This pioneering agricultural scheme is a holistic, coordinated approach that leverages existing programs rather than creating new isolated schemes, focusing exclusively on underperforming districts to address agricultural disparities. Though detailed progress data are not yet available, the robust monitoring framework and multi-stakeholder involvement promise systematic tracking of outcomes over the six-year span.
- The investment by NLC India Limited (NLCIL) in NLC India Renewables Limited (NIRL), despite not requiring prior approvals, is in line with India's commitment to the environment, as it contributes to the country's goal of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030 and net zero carbon emissions by 2070.
- The Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, aimed at boosting agriculture in 100 selected districts across India, aligns with the general news of NLCIL's investment in renewable energy, as it also focuses on sustainable practices and rural development.
- As part of its strategy to advance in renewable energy, NIRL is considering opportunities in the science and technology sector, particularly in the field of environmental science, to improve efficiency and reduce carbon footprint.
- This expansion in renewable energy capacities by NIRL will not only create employment opportunities but also contribute to the health and wellness of the population by reducing dependency on traditional fossil fuels, thus improving the overall quality of life and addressing medical-conditions linked to pollution.
- The business sector, recognizing the importance of renewable energy, is expected to follow the lead of NLCIL, as the move towards green energy is increasingly becoming a priority in the economy, fostering a more sustainable lifestyle.
- Education and self-development institutions are incorporating the development of renewable energy technologies into their curriculum, recognizing the growing importance of renewable energy in addressing the global climate crisis, as shared in the general news.
- The financing of NLCIL's investment in renewable energy poses an interesting case study for the finance industry, as it demonstrates the potential for private sector investments to support national climate goals and contribute to the economy's growth.
- The sports community, striving for sustainability in their events and operations, can learn from this strategic move by NLCIL, as it emphasizes the role every sector plays in promoting a greener and more sustainable future for the planet.
