Introduction
The Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana, popularly known as Saubhagya, is a landmark initiative by the Government of India launched on September 25, 2017, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Aimed at achieving universal household electrification, the Sahaj Har Ghar Bijli Yojana addresses the critical need for electricity access in both rural and urban areas. With approximately 4 crore unelectrified households at its inception, the scheme sought to bridge the gap in energy access, ensuring that no household is left in the dark. This blog post explores the objectives, implementation, benefits, and impact of the Sahaj Har Ghar Bijli Yojana, highlighting its role in transforming lives and fostering socio-economic development across India.
Objectives of the Sahaj Har Ghar Bijli Yojana
The core objective of the Sahaj Har Ghar Bijli Yojana is to provide last-mile electricity connectivity to all unelectrified households in India, ensuring universal household electrification. Unlike previous schemes that focused on village-level electrification, this initiative targets individual households, making it a unique endeavor. The Sahaj Har Ghar Bijli Yojana aims to improve the quality of life for marginalized communities by providing free or affordable electricity connections. It also seeks to promote economic growth by enabling businesses and industries to thrive with reliable power access. By addressing barriers such as affordability and awareness, the Sahaj Har Ghar Bijli Yojana ensures that electricity reaches even the remotest corners of the country.
Key Features of the Scheme
The Sahaj Har Ghar Bijli Yojana is designed with several innovative features to ensure effective implementation. Households identified through the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) 2011 receive free electricity connections, while others can avail connections for a nominal fee of Rs. 500, payable in 10 installments. The scheme includes the installation of a service cable from the nearest pole, an energy meter, wiring for a single light point with an LED bulb, and a mobile charging point. In cases where poles are not nearby, the Sahaj Har Ghar Bijli Yojana covers the erection of additional poles and conductors. For remote areas, solar power packs (200-300 Wp) with five LED lights, a DC fan, and a power plug are provided. The Sahaj Har Ghar Bijli Yojana also ensures five years of repair and maintenance for meters, making it a comprehensive solution.
Implementation and Execution
The implementation of the Sahaj Har Ghar Bijli Yojana was overseen by the Ministry of Power, with the Rural Electrification Corporation (REC) as the nodal agency. A dedicated web portal, , launched on November 16, 2017, provided real-time data on household electrification progress. The Sahaj Har Ghar Bijli Yojana adopted a multi-layered strategy, including village camps for on-spot registration and a mobile application for streamlined documentation. By leveraging technology and decentralized governance, the scheme reduced procedural complexities. The total outlay for the Sahaj Har Ghar Bijli Yojana was Rs. 16,320 crore, with Rs. 12,320 crore as Gross Budgetary Support, ensuring adequate funding for rural (Rs. 14,025 crore) and urban (Rs. 2,295 crore) electrification. The scheme was completed in December 2020, achieving near-universal electrification.
Impact on Rural and Urban Households
The Sahaj Har Ghar Bijli Yojana has had a profound impact on both rural and urban households. By March 2019, it electrified 2.62 crore households, leaving fewer than 19,000 unelectrified nationwide. Access to electricity has extended study hours for children, improved healthcare delivery through powered medical equipment, and fostered small-scale industries. The Sahaj Har Ghar Bijli Yojana has empowered women by reducing time spent on household chores, enabling income-generating activities. By eliminating reliance on kerosene for lighting, the scheme has reduced indoor pollution, promoting environmental sustainability. The Sahaj Har Ghar Bijli Yojana has thus been a catalyst for social progress, enhancing the quality of life for millions.
Challenges and Solutions
Despite its success, the Sahaj Har Ghar Bijli Yojana faced challenges such as logistical difficulties in remote areas, lack of awareness, and financial constraints for non-SECC households. To address these, the scheme employed innovative solutions like mobile apps for beneficiary identification and village camps for easy registration. The provision of solar power packs for inaccessible areas ensured inclusivity. Awareness campaigns and simplified procedures under the Sahaj Har Ghar Bijli Yojana encouraged participation, while the installment-based payment model made connections affordable. By integrating public and private sector efforts, the Sahaj Har Ghar Bijli Yojana overcame these hurdles, setting a global benchmark for universal electrification initiatives.
Long-Term Benefits and Economic Growth
The Sahaj Har Ghar Bijli Yojana has far-reaching benefits beyond immediate electrification. It has spurred economic growth by providing reliable power to businesses, creating job opportunities, and supporting small-scale industries. Access to electricity has enhanced educational outcomes, as students can study after dark, and improved healthcare services through powered facilities. The Sahaj Har Ghar Bijli Yojana has also promoted digital inclusion by enabling access to information technology. Environmentally, it has reduced dependence on fossil fuels like kerosene, contributing to cleaner households. By fostering socio-economic development, the Sahaj Har Ghar Bijli Yojana has laid the foundation for a more equitable and prosperous India.
Conclusion
The Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana stands as a monumental achievement in India’s journey toward universal electrification. By bringing electricity to millions of households, the scheme has transformed lives, empowered communities, and driven economic progress. The Sahaj Har Ghar Bijli Yojana not only addressed immediate energy needs but also laid the groundwork for long-term development through education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Its innovative implementation, inclusive approach, and focus on marginalized communities make it a model for global electrification efforts. As India continues to grow, the legacy of the Sahaj Har Ghar Bijli Yojana will remain a beacon of progress, illuminating the path to a brighter future.
FAQs
1. What is the Sahaj Har Ghar Bijli Yojana?
The Sahaj Har Ghar Bijli Yojana, or Saubhagya, is a government scheme launched in 2017 to provide electricity connections to all unelectrified households in rural and urban India, ensuring universal electrification.
2. Who is eligible for free connections under the scheme?
Households identified through the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) 2011 are eligible for free electricity connections under the Sahaj Har Ghar Bijli Yojana. Others can avail connections for Rs. 500, payable in installments.
3. What does the scheme provide to beneficiaries?
The Sahaj Har Ghar Bijli Yojana provides a service cable, energy meter, wiring for a light point with an LED bulb, and a mobile charging point. Remote areas receive solar power packs with additional features.
4. When was the Sahaj Har Ghar Bijli Yojana completed?
The Sahaj Har Ghar Bijli Yojana was completed in December 2020, achieving near-universal household electrification across India, as reported by the Ministry of Power.
5. How has the scheme impacted rural households?
The Sahaj Har Ghar Bijli Yojana has improved education, healthcare, and economic opportunities in rural areas by providing reliable electricity, reducing kerosene use, and empowering women.
