On 25th September 2017, Prime Minister Mr.Narendra Modi launched a new scheme, Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana –‘Saubhagya’, to carry out electrification of all households in India.
Saubhagya:
i.The total budget for this project is Rs.16,320 crore. Gross Budgetary Support (GBS) provided is Rs.12,320 crore.
ii.The budget allocated for the rural households is Rs.14,025 crore. For which, GBS is Rs.10,587.50 crore.
iii.Budget allocated for urban households is Rs.2,295 crore. For which, GBS is Rs.1,732.50 crore.
iv.All the States and Union Territories should complete household electrification by 31st December 2018.
v.The beneficiaries for free electricity connection would be identified using Socio Economic and Caste Census (SECC) 2011 data.
vi.Un-electrified houses not covered under the SECC data would also be provided electricity connection.
vii.For such houses, payment of Rs.500 should be made. Later, the fees will be reimbursed through electricity bill.
viii.For un-electrified households located in remote areas, solar power packs of 200 to 300 W with battery bank will be provided.It consists of 5 LED lights, 1 DC fan, 1 DC power plug.It also includes Repair and Maintenance for 5 years.
The aim of this Scheme is:
- Environmental upgradation by eliminating Kerosene usage for lighting
- Improvement of education, health services and communication
- Increasing economic activities and jobs
- Improvement of quality of life particularly for women
Household survey would be conducted through Mobile App also.The Gram Panchayat or other Public institutions would collect application forms, distribute bills and collect revenue.
The Rural Electrification Corporation Limited (REC) will act as the nodal agency for this scheme.
About Rural Electrification Corporation Limited (REC):
Headquarters – New Delhi
Chairman & MD – Mr.P.V.Ramesh Babu
