Raghbir Singh Brar
Faridkot
August 27,2026
In a major step towards green energy and sustainable development, Punjab is set to become the first state in India to adopt a solar energy model for preparing mid-day meals in government schools. Vice Chairman Sukhjit Singh Dhillwan said this after his study visit to Karnataka to explore large-scale solar cooking technology.
Sukhjit Singh Dhillwan recently visited Karnataka with the main objective of studying the model of cooking food through solar energy and assessing its feasibility for implementation in Punjab.
During the visit, he toured the Tata Techno Park Company based in Bengaluru, where food for around 10,000 to 12,000 people is prepared daily using solar energy. Dhillwan closely studied the modern technology, its working mechanism, cost-effectiveness and operational model.Speaking on the occasion, Dhillwan said that Punjab will be the first state in the country to adopt the solar energy model for preparing mid-day meals in schools.
He said the project will be taken forward through the Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA). The visit was specifically organized to study the model of preparing food on a large scale through solar energy, so that it can be replicated efficiently in Punjab’s schools.Under this ambitious plan, the Punjab government will initiate steps to prepare mid-day meals in all government schools using solar energy.
This will not only promote the use of renewable energy but will also significantly reduce the consumption of traditional fuels like LPG and firewood. The initiative will also play a crucial role in environmental conservation and will help reduce the carbon footprint of the state.Officials said that the model is not only eco-friendly but also economically viable in the long run. Once implemented, it will reduce the recurring fuel cost for schools and ensure clean and healthy cooking conditions for the staff.The initiative is being seen as a landmark step towards making Punjab a leader in renewable energy adoption in the education sector. If implemented successfully, it will serve as a model for other states of the country.
On this occasion, Master Hardeep Singh, Lecturer Sukhdev Singh, and Gurpreet Singh Sivian were also present with the Vice Chairman.
