Scheme Name: SAUBHAGYA- Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana.
Launching Date & Year: 25 September, 2017.
- The scheme Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana –“Saubhagya” will ensure electrification of all willing households in the country in rural as well as urban areas here today.
- Under the Scheme, 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.
- 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 Rural Electrification Corporation Limited (REC) will remain the nodal agency for the operationalisation of the scheme throughout the country.
- For identifying the beneficiaries, 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.
- There is no provision in the scheme to provide free power to any category of consumers. The cost of electricity consumption shall have to be paid by the respective consumers as per prevailing tariff of the DISCOM/Power Deptt.
The expected outcome of the Scheme is as follows:
(a) Environmental upgradation by substitution of Kerosene for lighting purposes
(b) Improvement of 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
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