Feb 19: The inauguration of Solar Power Plant Project was inaugurated by Oscar Fernandes - Member of Indian National Congress and Ivan D’Souza - Chief Whip - Government of Karnataka at St Joseph Higher Primary School-Kankanady on Saturday, 18 February. 50 schools to receive the solar power unit, St Joseph Higher Primary School, Kankanady was one among. Each Solar Power unit cost ` 2 lakh 75 thousand - and the total cost of this project was ` 1 Crore 75 lakhs 50 thousand, for 50 Schools.
After inaugurating the project, Ivan D’Souza said, “We all know Mangaluru City is tentatively selected as one of the 100 smart cities of India proposed by the Govt. of India. This City shall be the 20th among the hundred smart cities to come up in the first phase. Our City has every potentiality and possibility of being selected to be a smart city. In this regard, we all should join hands and put our efforts to realize the set goal of the smart city. The introduction of solar energy generating units at our place of residence, at places of commercial and academic ventures, therefore are inevitable to all of us”.
He further added, “Through the advanced technology, the mere sun light is capable of producing solar electricity. Needless to say that, we can be self-reliant and can overcome the shortage of electric power through solar energy which is green energy. This green energy is potentially pollution free and eco-friendly. This shall be a boon to our city dwellers. Installation of solar panels is very lucrative as well as capable of providing uninterrupted power supply. The Ministry of Natural and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is providing full support and co-operation, and the Govt. of India as well as Govt. of Karnataka have issued guidelines in this regard.”
In continuation, he added “On installation of a solar unit we can avail 15% subsidy on the total investment. The commercial banks have assured to extend financial assistance to this project. Instructions have been issued to the MESCOM authorities to extend all the possible co-operation to the public at large in implementing this project. Let us not have a second thought. Let us produce our own electricity and contribute to the development of our nation.” Honourable Member of Indian National Congress, Oscar Fernandes also spoke and anticipated full support and co-operation from the public in implementing this project successfully.
Solar unit of the St Joseph’s school was inaugurated by Sr Lillis BS, the vice President of Bethany Educational Society ® Mangaloe Mr Oscar Fernandes handed over the agreement to her. Sr Lillis, expressing her appreciation for Mr Ivan said, “He is a beacon of light to the poor in the society,” and she acknowledged his contribution to the society in various ways. Students performed welcome dance and a skit on Solar Energy on the occasion Mr Ivan was honoured. Mr Harinath the Mayor Mr Naveen D Souza the Corporator, Sr Veena Aranha, the Primary School Headmistress, Sr Roshni Monteiro, the High School Headmisress, Sr Leena Pereira, the Correspondent of the school, and many other dignitaries were present for the occasion.
Headmistress, Sr Roshni Monteiro BS
St Joseph’s High School, Kankanady, Mangaluru
