New Delhi. Along with the development of villages, the Central Government has also taken a new initiative towards increasing the income of Gram Panchayats. In the coming time, regular income can also be generated from the vacant land of Panchayats. For this, the Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj has recently entered into an agreement with Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL). Under this partnership, electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and battery swapping centers will be developed on panchayat land.
EV charging station will be built on Panchayat land
Under this initiative, charging stations will be built at suitable locations in Gram Panchayat premises and around state and national highways. Here two-wheelers, three-wheelers, cars and heavy commercial vehicles will also be able to avail the charging facility. Apart from this, there will also be a system of battery swapping, which will make it easier to change the batteries of electric vehicles. This will provide convenience to EV users in rural areas also.
Ministry and CESL will play an important role
The responsibility of both the institutions has been fixed to get this project off the ground. The Ministry of Panchayati Raj will identify and monitor suitable land in collaboration with state governments. Whereas CESL will handle the work from setting up the charging station to arranging the machines, technical inspection and operation. This company will also be responsible for the maintenance of the station.
How will Panchayats earn?
The biggest benefit of this scheme could be that Panchayats will get a new source of earning from their land. The revenue from charging and battery swapping stations will help the panchayats to increase their income. This money can be used to improve roads, sanitation, drinking water and other essential facilities in the villages.