The Prime Minister Shri
Narendra Modi has launched a new scheme Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana
–“Saubhagya” to ensure electrification of all willing households in the
country in rural as well as urban areas here today.
The total outlay of
the project is Rs. 16, 320 crore while the Gross Budgetary Support (GBS) is
Rs. 12,320 crore. The outlay for the rural households is Rs. 14,025 crore while
the GBS is Rs. 10,587.50 crore. For the urban households the outlay is Rs.
2,295 crore while GBS is Rs. 1,732.50 crore. The Government of India will
provide largely funds for the Scheme to all States/UTs.
The States and Union
Territories are required to complete the works of household electrification by
the 31st of December 2018.
The beneficiaries for
free electricity connections would be identified using Socio Economic and Caste
Census (SECC) 2011 data. However, un-electrified households
not covered under the SECC data would also be provided electricity connections
under the scheme on payment of Rs. 500 which shall be recovered by DISCOMs in
10 instalments through electricity bill.
The solar power packs
of 200 to 300 Wp with battery bank for un-electrified households located in
remote and inaccessible areas, comprises of Five LED lights, One DC fan, One DC
power plug. It also includes the Repair and Maintenance (R&M) for 5 years.
The expected outcome of
the Scheme is as follows:
(a) Environmental
upgradation by substitution of Kerosene for lighting purposes
(b) Improvement
education services
(c) Better
health services
(d) Enhanced
connectivity through radio, television, mobiles, etc.
(e) Increased
economic activities and jobs
(f) Improved
quality of life especially for women
For easy & accelerated implementation
of the Scheme , modern technology shall be used for household survey by using
Mobile App. Beneficiaries shall be identified and their application for
electricity connection along with applicant photograph and identity proof shall
be registered on spot. The Gram Panchayat/Public institutions in the rural
areas may be authorised to collect application forms along with complete
documentation, distribute bills and collect revenue in consultation with the
Panchayat Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies. The Rural Electrification
Corporation Limited (REC) will remain the nodal agency for the
operationalisation of the scheme throughout the country.
RM/AS