Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana

Access to electricity is a fundamental prerequisite for socio-economic development, and in India, the government has taken significant steps to ensure that every household has access to electricity. One of the landmark initiatives in this regard is the Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana, commonly known as the Saubhagya Scheme. This ambitious scheme was launched with the aim of providing electricity connections to every unconnected household in India. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the details of the Saubhagya Scheme, its objectives, implementation, impact, and the way forward.

Background

Access to electricity is a crucial factor in improving the quality of life and driving economic development. In India, the electrification journey began in earnest after independence, and significant progress has been made over the decades. However, as of the launch of the Saubhagya Scheme in October 2017, there were still many households without access to electricity.

The lack of electricity access disproportionately affects rural and remote areas, where geographical challenges and economic constraints often hinder the extension of the power grid. Unelectrified households rely on traditional and often inefficient sources of energy like kerosene lamps and diesel generators, which not only pose health and environmental hazards but also limit economic opportunities and quality of life.

To address this gap and accelerate electrification, the Indian government introduced the Saubhagya Scheme, building on the success of earlier initiatives such as the Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana (RGGVY) and the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY). The Saubhagya Scheme aimed to provide last-mile connectivity to unconnected households and promote the use of clean and sustainable energy.

Objectives of the Saubhagya Scheme

The Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana – Saubhagya Scheme has several key objectives:

• Electrification of All Households: The primary goal of the scheme is to ensure that every household in India has access to electricity. This includes both rural and urban areas, making it one of the most comprehensive electrification initiatives in the world.
• Inclusivity: The scheme emphasizes inclusivity by targeting unconnected households, especially in remote and inaccessible regions. It aims to bridge the electricity access gap between urban and rural areas.
• Clean Energy: The scheme promotes the use of clean and sustainable energy sources. It encourages the use of energy-efficient appliances and technologies, reducing carbon emissions and environmental impact.
• Improving the Quality of Life: Access to electricity enhances the overall quality of life by providing better lighting, enabling educational and economic opportunities, and reducing the use of hazardous energy sources like kerosene.
• Job Creation: The electrification drive also creates employment opportunities in the power sector, from installation and maintenance of electrical infrastructure to the production and distribution of clean energy.

Implementation of the Saubhagya Scheme

The implementation of the Saubhagya Scheme is a multi-faceted process involving various stakeholders, including central and state governments, distribution companies (DISCOMs), and local communities. The key steps involved in implementing the scheme are as follows:

• Identification of Unconnected Households: The first step in implementing the Saubhagya Scheme is to identify unconnected households. This process involves surveys and data collection to create a comprehensive list of households without electricity access.
• Infrastructure Development: Once unconnected households are identified, the government and DISCOMs work together to extend the electricity grid to these areas. This includes setting up distribution lines, substations, transformers, and other necessary infrastructure.
• Household Electrification: After the infrastructure is in place, electricity connections are provided to each identified household. The scheme also supports the installation of electrical meters to ensure accurate billing and revenue collection.
• Financial Support: To make electricity connections affordable for economically disadvantaged households, the government provides financial support through subsidies and grants. Low-income families’ financial burden is lessened as a result.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: The scheme’s progress is monitored closely, and regular evaluations are conducted to ensure that electrification targets are being met. Any problems or obstacles are located and dealt with quickly.
• Promoting Clean Energy: The Saubhagya Scheme also promotes the use of clean energy sources, such as solar power, in areas where grid connectivity is not feasible. This is especially important in remote and hilly regions where traditional grid extension may be challenging.

Achievements and Impact

The Saubhagya Scheme has had a significant impact on electrification in India. Since its launch, the scheme has achieved several notable milestones and brought about positive changes in the lives of millions of people.

• Electrification of Over 2.6 Crore Households: As of my last knowledge update in 2022, the Saubhagya Scheme had successfully electrified more than 2.6 crore households, making remarkable progress toward its goal of universal electrification. This achievement is a testament to the government’s commitment to improving the lives of its citizens.
• Enhanced Quality of Life: Electrification through the Saubhagya Scheme has significantly improved the quality of life for beneficiaries. It has enabled better lighting, which is essential for studying, working, and overall well-being. It has also led to the adoption of electric appliances, including refrigerators, fans, and televisions, which were previously inaccessible to many households.
• Reduction in Health Hazards: With the availability of electricity, many households have moved away from using hazardous sources of energy such as kerosene lamps and diesel generators. This has not only improved air quality and reduced the risk of accidents but has also positively impacted public health.
• Economic Opportunities: Access to electricity has opened up new economic opportunities for rural households. It has enabled the establishment and growth of small businesses, agro-processing units, and cottage industries. Additionally, electrified households can participate in various government schemes and programs that require electricity access.
• Educational Benefits: Electricity access is closely linked to educational opportunities. Students can study well into the evening, access online resources, and participate in e-learning programs. This has the potential to enhance educational outcomes and increase the overall literacy rate.
• Empowerment of Women: The availability of electricity has also empowered women in many households. It has reduced their drudgery by eliminating the need for manual tasks like grinding flour or washing clothes by hand. Women can also engage in income-generating activities and pursue entrepreneurial ventures.
• Reduction in Carbon Emissions: The scheme’s promotion of clean and sustainable energy sources, such as solar power, has contributed to a reduction in carbon emissions. This aligns with India’s commitment to combat climate change and transition to cleaner energy sources.

Challenges and Way Forward

While the Saubhagya Scheme has made remarkable progress, it still faces several challenges that need to be addressed for the successful completion of its objectives. These challenges include:

• Last-Mile Connectivity: Ensuring the electrification of remote and hard-to-reach areas remains a challenge due to geographical constraints. Building infrastructure in hilly and forested regions can be expensive and logistically challenging.
• Disbursement of Subsidies: The timely disbursement of subsidies to economically disadvantaged households is essential to making electricity connections affordable. Delays in subsidy disbursement can hinder the scheme’s progress.
• Infrastructure Maintenance: Ongoing maintenance of electrical infrastructure is crucial to ensuring the sustainability of electrification. Adequate funding and skilled manpower are required for this purpose.
• Increasing Energy Access in Urban Slums: While the focus has largely been on rural electrification, there is a need to address the issue of energy access in urban slums. Many urban poor still lack access to reliable and affordable electricity.
• Promoting Energy Efficiency: To make electricity access more sustainable and reduce energy consumption, there is a need to promote energy-efficient appliances and practices among households.
• Encouraging Community Participation: Engaging local communities in the electrification process can lead to more effective and sustainable outcomes. Community involvement can help in identifying local needs and addressing them appropriately.

The way forward for the Saubhagya Scheme involves addressing these challenges and continuing to work toward universal electrification. This includes expanding the use of renewable energy sources, improving grid reliability, and leveraging technology for efficient monitoring and maintenance. Additionally, a focus on energy conservation and efficiency will help ensure that electrification benefits are maximized while minimizing the environmental impact.