PM launches ‘Saubhagya’ plan for household electrification:

PM launches ‘Saubhagya’ plan for household electrification:

Context

• On 25th september 2017 PM launches 16000 crore scheme ‘Saubhagya’ for household electrification that have no access to electricity.

About the scheme

• Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (Saubhagya)
• every household in the country, whether it is in a village or a city or in a far-flung area, will be given an electricity connection.
• No price will be charged for the poor to get an electricity connection
• 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 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.

The expected outcome of the Scheme is as follows:

• Environmental upgradation by substitution of Kerosene for lighting purposes
• Improvement education services
• Better health services
• Enhanced connectivity through radio, television, mobiles, etc.
• Increased economic activities and jobs
• Improved quality of life especially for women