Government launches Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana
Ministry of Power launched Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana –“Saubhagya” with an aim at providing last mile electricity connectivity to all rural and urban households.
Under the scheme, government will provide free electricity to all households identified under Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) data 2011.
Key Features of Scheme
Electricity connections will be given to APL families for Rs 500, which will be payable in 10 equal monthly instalments. The BPL cardholders will get free electricity connections. The total outlay of scheme is Rs. 16, 320 crore while Gross Budgetary Support (GBS) is Rs. 12,320 crore. The Central Government will provide largely funds for the Scheme to all States/UTs.
The States and Union Territories are required to complete works of household electrification by 31st of December 2018. For covering un-electrified households located in remote and inaccessible areas, solar power packs of 200 to 300 Wp with battery bank, comprising of 5 LED lights, 1 DC fan, 1 DC power plug. It also includes the Repair and Maintenance (R&M) for 5 years.
The Rural Electrification Corporation Limited (REC) will be nodal agency for operationalisation of scheme throughout country. For easy & accelerated implementation of Scheme, modern technology will be used for household survey by using Mobile App.
Gram Panchayat/Public institutions in rural areas will be authorised to collect application forms along with complete documentation, distribute bills and collect revenue in consultation with Panchayat Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
Expected outcome of Scheme
Better health services
Improvement education services
Increased economic activities and jobs
Improved quality of life especially for women
Enhanced connectivity through radio, television, mobiles, etc.
Environmental upgradation by substitution of Kerosene for lighting purposes
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Month: Current Affairs - September, 2017