SAUBHAGYA Scheme launched in Manipur

The Union Ministry of Power launched Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (SAUBHAGYA) in Manipur. Total of approximately 1.75 lakh households (1.62 lakh rural households and 0.13 lakh urban households) of Manipur are proposed to be included under scheme. Union Government will provide the required financial assistance for strengthening and improvement of infrastructure in the power sector in Manipur.

Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (SAUBHAGYA)

The Union Ministry of Power launched had Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana –“Saubhagya” in September 2017 with an aim to achieve universal household electrification in all parts of country by 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. The Rural Electrification Corporation Limited (REC) is 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).
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.
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 total outlay of scheme is Rs. 16, 320 crore while Gross Budgetary Support (GBS) is Rs. 12,320 crore. The Central Government will provide funds for Scheme to all States/UTs. The States and Union Territories are required to complete works of household electrification by 31st of December 2018.
Expected outcome of Scheme will be 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 and environmental upgradation by substitution of Kerosene for lighting purposes.

Month: Current Affairs - November, 2017