Indian minister of state for non-conventional energy sources Shri Vilas Muttemwar recently announced plans to expand government programs supporting the development and utilization of solar energy resources in 2005 and 2006.

Additionally, Muttemwar announced that the government has established a commission for additional sources of energy to plan and oversee the implementation of programs relating to solar energy and other renewable energy sources.

The minister noted that his ministry has been supporting research and development of solar energy technology for "more than two decades."

"As a result of the research work supported by the ministry, an indigenous technology and manufacturing base has been established in the country," said Muttemwar. "A number of solar energy systems for lighting, water pumping, telecommunications, remote power generation, water heating, solar cooking, drying and other applications have been developed and commercialized in the country. Currently, the focus of research is on further reductions in the cost of solar energy products and improvements in their quality, reliability and life."