Har Ghar Bijli

In a big step towards a brighter and more empowered India, the Government of India launched the Har Ghar Bijli Yojana - Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (Saubhagya) in September 2017, popularly named as the Har Ghar Bijli Yojana, which is very much true to its name, as it aims to provide electricity connection to every household in the country.

This landmark program bridges the energy deficit, improves the quality of life of millions of people, and promotes economic development in rural and isolated areas of the country. Let's take a closer look at what the program entails.

What is Har Ghar Bijli Yojana (Saubhagya)?

The Har Ghar Bijli Yojana, also referred to as Saubhagya, is the government's flagship program that aims for universal household electrification. Prior to the initiation of this program, communities had electrical grid infrastructure reaching many villages, but many households, especially those in rural villages with limited infrastructure and economically weaker households, did not have legal access to those lines to obtain electricity.

The Har Ghar Bijli Yojana assures each household willing to connect to the power lines an electricity connection without any upfront payment. The program seeks to obtain the “last mile connectivity” of electricity in every eligible household to ensure the poorest citizens access power for their use.

Primary Goals of the Scheme

The Saubhagya Har Ghar Bijli Scheme has several primary goals, including

• Universal Electrification: To provide electricity connections to every unelectrified household in rural and urban areas.

• Improvement in Quality of Life: To improve quality of life through access of households to lighting, fans, television and other essential appliances.

• Improvement in Education & Health: To provide a positive atmosphere enabling children to study after the sun sets and improve health care facilities.

• Empowerment of Rural Economy: To maximize rural economic development by supporting small scale home-based businesses and agricultural activities.

• Reduction of Environmental Pollution: To reduce dependence on traditional, polluting lighting sources, such as kerosene lamps.

Who is Eligible for the Scheme?

The scheme is exclusively for households that did not have an electricity connection before the scheme was launched. The definition of eligibility is as follows:

• Service Line Cable: The cable extending from the main grid to the household.

• Energy Meter: A single-phase smart meter to measure use.

• Wiring for One Room: Basic internal wiring for one room with a light point.

• LED Bulbs: Energy-efficient LED bulbs.

How to Apply for Har Ghar Bijli Yojana?

The applicant may access the Saubhagya Scheme by a simple process taking the following form:

The Outcome and Current Situation

The Har Ghar Bijli Yojana has been transformative for India. From its launch, it has connected millions of households to the electricity grid, contributing to an electrification rate upwards of 99% for households across the country.

The program has not just electrified homes, it has also illuminated futures through access to education, health care and income earning opportunities, especially for women and children residing in rural India.

FAQs

Q1: Is the Har Ghar Bijli Yojana still in effect? 

Although the initial target of connecting all willing households was officially completed in the year 2018, the program continues to be used to support infrastructure and processes for connecting households to the electrical grid. If you still have no electricity in your home, you can reach out to your local DISCOM to apply for inclusion in electrification projects.

Q2: Do I have to pay for my electricity connection? 

No. The connection was given free of charge, at no cost to you - which includes the meter, wiring and service line to your house. However, you will be required to pay for your electric usage monthly.

Q3: How is Saubhagya different than the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY)? 

DDUGJY focused on capacity building of the sub-transmission and distribution systems in rural areas (for example, transformers and feeders), while Saubhagya is focused on the last mile connectivity of households to the enhanced sub-transmission and distribution network. So, Saubhagya builds on the foundation created by DDUGJY.

Q4: What documents are required to apply? 

The most important documentation is the Aadhaar Card of the head of the household. If the individual does not have an Aadhaar card, alternative government-issued identity documentation is permitted, depending on the DISCOM. 

Q5: I live in a remote, hilly area. Can I apply? 

Yes, definitely. The program is designed for households for inaccessible or difficult to reach areas. Where extension of the grid is infeasible or not cost-effective, the government will offer solar-based standalone systems to furnish charge to the household. 

Q6: Whom do I contact a problem arises with my application? 

You would contact the local Electricity Distribution Company (DISCOM) or the Common Service Centre (CSC) you applied for Saubhagya with. The official portal for Saubhagya will have a state list and contact information listed on the web. 

Conclusion

The Har Ghar Bijli Yojana (Saubhagya) a shining example of India's resolve and commitment to equitable growth and development. By empowering every citizen with access to electricity, the scheme is helping to build a more prosperous, educated, and healthy country. It is a critical link toward the realization of the vision created to be a 'Powerful India' with the promise of 'No home in the dark.'