Prime minister Narendra Modi has launched Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana –“Saubhagya” – to ensure electrification of all households in the country.

Here are five elements of this new programme:
 

• The total outlay of the project is Rs 16,320 crore. The outlay for the rural households is Rs 14,025 crore. For the urban households, the outlay is Rs 2,295 crore.

• The states and union territories are required to complete the work of household electrification by December 31, 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 (watt peak) with battery bank for un-electrified households located in remote and inaccessible areas, comprises five LED lights, one DC fan, one DC power plug. It also includes the Repair and Maintenance (R&M) for 5 years.

• 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 Rural Electrification Corporation Limited (REC) will be the nodal agency for the operationalisation of the scheme throughout the country.

Also read: Rural Electrification: Let there be light