The Saubhagya Yojana, also known as the Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana, is an ambitious government initiative launched by the Government of India to ensure universal electricity access to all households across the country. The scheme aims to provide electricity connections to un-electrified households, particularly in rural and remote areas, improving the living conditions of citizens and contributing to the overall development of the nation. This blog will cover the Saubhagya Yojana in detail, including its objectives, benefits, and how to apply for a new electricity connection under the scheme.
What is Saubhagya Yojana?
The Saubhagya Yojana was launched in September 2017 with the aim of providing electricity connections to all the un-electrified households in rural and urban areas by 2019. The scheme’s focus was primarily on economically weaker sections and households that were previously unable to access electricity due to high connection charges or remoteness of their locations.
Under the scheme, the government provides free electricity connections to below poverty line (BPL) families and offers affordable electricity connections to non-BPL families in rural areas. The Saubhagya Yojana has played a pivotal role in improving the quality of life for millions of people by providing them access to electricity, a basic necessity for modern living.
Objectives of Saubhagya Yojana
The key objectives of the Saubhagya Yojana are:
- Universal Access to Electricity:
The main goal of the Saubhagya Yojana is to ensure that every household in the country has access to electricity, contributing to the overall economic and social development of the nation. - Inclusive Growth:
The scheme focuses on inclusion, ensuring that households from disadvantaged and remote areas, including tribal areas, are provided with affordable and sustainable electricity solutions. - Improvement in Standard of Living:
Providing access to electricity enhances the standard of living of households by enabling access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. - Promote Energy Efficiency:
The scheme also emphasizes the importance of using energy-efficient devices, ensuring that households use electricity in an eco-friendly and cost-effective manner.
How Saubhagya Yojana Works
- Free Electricity Connection for BPL Families:
The government provides free electricity connections to BPL families, which includes wiring, meter installation, and lighting in the house. - Affordable Connection for Non-BPL Families:
For non-BPL households, the scheme provides an affordable and subsidized electricity connection, making it accessible for all citizens, especially those in rural areas. - Solar Power Solutions:
In areas where it is not feasible to extend the grid, the scheme promotes the use of solar power systems to provide electricity to households that are not connected to the national grid. - Implementation by DISCOMs:
The scheme is implemented by Distribution Companies (DISCOMs), who are responsible for providing the electricity connection to eligible households. DISCOMs also ensure that the electricity supply is uninterrupted and of good quality.
Blog: Saubhagya Yojana – Bringing Light to Every Home in India
The Saubhagya Yojana, also known as the Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana, is an ambitious government initiative launched by the Government of India to ensure universal electricity access to all households across the country. The scheme aims to provide electricity connections to un-electrified households, particularly in rural and remote areas, improving the living conditions of citizens and contributing to the overall development of the nation. This blog will cover the Saubhagya Yojana in detail, including its objectives, benefits, and how to apply for a new electricity connection under the scheme.
What is Saubhagya Yojana?
The Saubhagya Yojana was launched in September 2017 with the aim of providing electricity connections to all the un-electrified households in rural and urban areas by 2019. The scheme’s focus was primarily on economically weaker sections and households that were previously unable to access electricity due to high connection charges or remoteness of their locations.
Under the scheme, the government provides free electricity connections to below poverty line (BPL) families and offers affordable electricity connections to non-BPL families in rural areas. The Saubhagya Yojana has played a pivotal role in improving the quality of life for millions of people by providing them access to electricity, a basic necessity for modern living.
Objectives of Saubhagya Yojana
The key objectives of the Saubhagya Yojana are:
- Universal Access to Electricity:
The main goal of the Saubhagya Yojana is to ensure that every household in the country has access to electricity, contributing to the overall economic and social development of the nation. - Inclusive Growth:
The scheme focuses on inclusion, ensuring that households from disadvantaged and remote areas, including tribal areas, are provided with affordable and sustainable electricity solutions. - Improvement in Standard of Living:
Providing access to electricity enhances the standard of living of households by enabling access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. - Promote Energy Efficiency:
The scheme also emphasizes the importance of using energy-efficient devices, ensuring that households use electricity in an eco-friendly and cost-effective manner.
How Saubhagya Yojana Works
- Free Electricity Connection for BPL Families:
The government provides free electricity connections to BPL families, which includes wiring, meter installation, and lighting in the house. - Affordable Connection for Non-BPL Families:
For non-BPL households, the scheme provides an affordable and subsidized electricity connection, making it accessible for all citizens, especially those in rural areas. - Solar Power Solutions:
In areas where it is not feasible to extend the grid, the scheme promotes the use of solar power systems to provide electricity to households that are not connected to the national grid. - Implementation by DISCOMs:
The scheme is implemented by Distribution Companies (DISCOMs), who are responsible for providing the electricity connection to eligible households. DISCOMs also ensure that the electricity supply is uninterrupted and of good quality.
Benefits of Saubhagya Yojana
- Improved Access to Basic Services:
With electricity in every home, families can now access essential services like education (through online learning), healthcare, and agriculture (with the use of irrigation pumps, etc.). - Enhancing Socio-Economic Development:
The Saubhagya Yojana has played a critical role in empowering communities by providing electricity, which enables small businesses, women entrepreneurs, and rural enterprises to flourish. - Better Quality of Life:
With lighting, households can improve their quality of life, enhancing both healthcare facilities and education in rural areas, contributing to overall well-being. - Sustainable and Green Energy:
The use of solar power and renewable energy sources under this scheme promotes sustainability, reducing the country’s dependence on fossil fuels. - Employment Opportunities:
The extension of electricity to unconnected areas generates employment opportunities, especially for the installation and maintenance of electrical infrastructure.
How to Apply for Saubhagya Yojana?
- Visit the Local Electricity Distribution Office:
To apply for a free or subsidized connection, the first step is to visit your local electricity distribution company (DISCOM) office. They will provide you with an application form to request a connection. - Provide Required Documents:
Applicants need to submit proof of identity (such as an Aadhaar card), proof of residence (such as a ration card), and information about household income. - Application Review:
The DISCOM will review your application and verify whether your household is eligible for a free or subsidized connection under the scheme. - Installation of Connection:
Once approved, the electricity company will schedule the installation of the electricity meter and wiring for the new connection. - Payment:
For non-BPL households, a nominal connection fee will be charged. BPL families will receive the connection for free, as per the scheme’s guidelines.
Offical Website : https://powermin.gov.in/en/content/saubhagya