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Published on:
February 13, 2023
By
Prudhvi Raj

PM Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana - Saubhagya

Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana - Saubhagya is to provide energy access to all by last mile connectivity and electricity connections to all remaining un-electrified households in rural as well as urban areas to achieve universal household electrification in the country.

The electricity connection to households include release of electricity connections by drawing a service cable from the nearest pole to the household premise, installation of energy meter, wiring for a single light point with LED bulb and a mobile charging point. In case the electricity pole is not available nearby from household for drawing service cable, the erection of additional pole along with conductor and associated accessories shall also be covered under the scheme.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi launched the Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana - Saubhagya, at Deendayal Urja Bhawan, in New Delhi on September 25, 2017.

The total outlay of the project is Rs. 16, 320 crore while the Gross Budgetary Support (GBS) is Rs. 12,320 crore. The outlay for the rural households is Rs. 14,025 crore while the GBS is Rs. 10,587.50 crore. For the urban households the outlay is Rs. 2,295 crore while GBS is Rs. 1,732.50 crore. 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.

1.Features of Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana - Saubhagya:

Some of the key features of the Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (Saubhagya) are:

a. Universal Household Electrification:

The scheme aims to provide electricity connections to all households in rural and urban areas.

b. Financial Assistance: 

Financial assistance is provided to the beneficiaries for the cost of installation of meters and service connections.

c. Targeted Towards BPL Families:

The scheme is targeted towards families living below the poverty line, who are provided electricity connections free of cost.

d. Subsidies for Others:

Other households are given subsidies on the installation cost.

e. Easy Application Process: 

The application process for availing the benefits of the scheme is simple and user-friendly.

f. Integration with Other Schemes: 

The scheme is integrated with other government schemes to maximize its reach and impact.

g. Online Monitoring: 

The progress of the scheme can be monitored online, ensuring transparency and accountability.

h. Empowerment of Rural Areas:

The scheme aims to empower rural areas by providing them with access to electricity, which can lead to improved quality of life and economic development.

2. Highlights of the SAUBHAGYA ELECTRICITY Scheme:

Here are some of the key highlights of the Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (Saubhagya) electricity scheme:

a. Launched in 2017: 

The scheme was launched in September 2017 by the Indian government.

b. Aim: 

The aim of the scheme is to provide electricity connections to all households in rural and urban areas.

c. Financial Assistance:

 Financial assistance is provided to the beneficiaries for the cost of installation of meters and service connections.

d. Target Group: 

The scheme is targeted towards families living below the poverty line, who are provided electricity connections free of cost, while others are given subsidies on the installation cost.

e. Easy Application Process: 

The application process is simple and user-friendly.

f. Integration with Other Schemes: 

The scheme is integrated with other government schemes to maximize its reach and impact.

g. Online Monitoring: 

The progress of the scheme can be monitored online, ensuring transparency and accountability.

h. Empowerment of Rural Areas: 

The scheme aims to empower rural areas by providing them with access to electricity, which can lead to improved quality of life and economic development.

i. Impact: 

The scheme has had a significant impact on household electrification in the country, with over 4 crore households having received electricity connections under the scheme as of 2021

3. Distribution Sector of SAUBHAGYA:

The distribution sector is a crucial component of the electricity industry and is responsible for distributing electricity from the generation sector to the end-users. The distribution sector is responsible for the following functions:

a. Transmission of Electricity:

The distribution sector is responsible for transmitting electricity from the generation sector to the end-users through a network of high-voltage and low-voltage distribution lines.

b. Distribution of Electricity: 

The distribution sector is responsible for distributing electricity to the end-users through a network of distribution transformers, feeders, and distribution substations.

c. Billing and Collection:

The distribution sector is responsible for billing the end-users for the electricity consumed and collecting the revenue generated.

d. Maintenance of Distribution Network:

The distribution sector is responsible for maintaining the distribution network, including the distribution transformers, feeders, and distribution substations.

e. Load Management:

The distribution sector is responsible for managing the load on the distribution network, including load shedding and peak load management.

f. Customer Service:

The distribution sector is responsible for providing customer service to the end-users, including addressing their complaints and providing technical assistance.

In India, the distribution sector is primarily dominated by state-owned distribution companies (DISCOMs), although there is a growing trend towards privatization of the distribution sector.

4. Economic Growth in Employment Generation of Saubhagya:

Access to electricity plays a significant role in economic growth and employment generation. Here's how:

a. Increased Productivity: 

Electricity enables the use of modern equipment and machinery, which leads to increased productivity and efficiency in various industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, and services.

b. Improved Infrastructure:

Access to electricity provides the necessary infrastructure for setting up industries and businesses, leading to increased economic activity and job creation.

c. Improved Living Standards:

Electricity provides a range of benefits to households, including lighting, heating, and powering appliances, leading to improved living standards and increased demand for consumer goods, which can create new jobs in the retail and service sectors.

d. Access to Information:

Electricity provides access to information and communication technologies, such as the internet and mobile phones, which can improve access to education, healthcare, and financial services, leading to increased economic activity and job creation.

e. Improved Agriculture: 

Access to electricity can improve the efficiency of agricultural practices, leading to increased crop yields and rural economic growth.

In summary, access to electricity is an important factor in promoting economic growth and employment generation. It enables increased productivity, improved infrastructure, better living standards, access to information, and improved agriculture, all of which contribute to economic growth and job creation.

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