Pradhan Mantri har ghar bijli yojana

Ministry of Power launched Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli HarGhar Yojana –“Saubhagya” with an aim at providing last mile electricity connectivity to all rural and urban households.Under the scheme, government will provide free electricity to all households identified under Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) data 2011.Key Features of SchemeElectricity connections will be given to APLfamilies for Rs 500, which will be payable in 10 equal monthly instalments. The BPL cardholders will get free electricity connections. The total outlay of scheme isRs. 16, 320 crore while Gross Budgetary Support (GBS) is Rs. 12,320 crore. The Central Government will provide largely funds for the Scheme to all States/UTs.The States and Union Territories are required to complete works of household electrification by 31st of December 2018. For covering un-electrified households located in remote and inaccessible areas, solar power packs of 200 to 300 Wp with battery bank, comprising of 5 LED lights, 1 DC fan, 1 DC power plug. It also includes the Repair and Maintenance (R&M) for 5 years.The Rural Electrification Corporation Limited (REC) will be nodal agency for operationalisation of scheme throughout country. For easy & accelerated implementation of Scheme, modern technology will be used for household survey by using Mobile App.Gram Panchayat/Public institutions in rural areas will be authorised to collect application forms along with complete documentation, distribute bills and collect revenue in consultation with Panchayat Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).Expected outcome of SchemeBetter health servicesImprovement education servicesIncreased economic activities and jobsImproved quality of life especially for womenEnhanced connectivity through radio, television, mobiles, etc.Environmental upgradation by substitutionof Kerosene for lighting purposes