Har Ghar Bijli Yojana: Powering Every Household in India
Electricity is no longer a luxury – it’s a basic necessity. Yet, millions of rural and remote households in India were once left in the dark. To bridge this gap and ensure that every home in India has access to electricity, the government launched a landmark initiative called the Har Ghar Bijli Yojana, also known as the Saubhagya Scheme.
This scheme has played a major role in transforming rural life, improving education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Har Ghar Bijli Yojana – its objectives, benefits, implementation, and how it is shaping the future of India’s power sector.
What is Har Ghar Bijli Yojana?
The Har Ghar Bijli Yojana, officially known as the Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (Saubhagya), was launched in September 2017 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The goal was clear—provide electricity to every un-electrified household in the country, particularly in rural and underdeveloped regions.
The scheme focuses on last-mile connectivity by providing free electricity connections to below poverty line (BPL) families and subsidized connections to others. It emphasizes inclusivity, aiming to light up every home, regardless of social or economic status.
Key Objectives of the Scheme
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Ensure universal household electrification across India
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Improve quality of life for rural and urban poor
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Support digital access, education, and healthcare in rural areas
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Enable economic development through better infrastructure
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Reduce dependency on kerosene lamps and traditional fuel sources
Who is Eligible?
Under the Har Ghar Bijli Yojana, the following households are eligible for free or subsidized electricity connections:
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BPL (Below Poverty Line) families as per the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) data
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Other poor households in both rural and urban areas
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Households without any existing electricity connection
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Homes in tribal areas, remote villages, and islands
How the Scheme Works
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Identification of households: DISCOMs (Distribution Companies) identify un-electrified households using SECC data and door-to-door surveys.
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Infrastructure setup: New poles, wires, and meters are installed where needed.
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Free connections for BPL families: Includes wiring, LED bulbs, switches, and power plug points.
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Easy application process: No complex paperwork; local authorities or DISCOMs assist in onboarding.
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Monitoring through mobile app: Beneficiaries and progress are tracked using a digital dashboard.
Benefits of Har Ghar Bijli Yojana
1. Empowerment through Electricity
Families now have access to lighting, fans, TVs, and mobile charging. Children can study at night, and households can function more efficiently.
2. Economic Opportunities
Electrification opens up small businesses, food processing units, and employment opportunities in villages.
3. Better Health and Safety
Electricity reduces the use of kerosene lamps, cutting down harmful smoke and risk of fires.
4. Women Empowerment
Women can work more safely and efficiently from home, manage household tasks better, and engage in skill-based activities.
5. Boost to Education
Electric lighting enables longer study hours, access to digital education, and a better learning environment for children.
Achievements So Far
As of 2024, the government has claimed over 99.9% electrification of Indian villages and households under the scheme. More than 2.6 crore households have received electricity connections since its launch.
States like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Odisha, Assam, and Jharkhand have seen massive transformation under this program.
Challenges Faced
While the scheme has been largely successful, it hasn’t been without challenges:
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Remote and forest areas still face connectivity issues
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Some newly connected homes struggle with irregular power supply
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Maintenance and after-installation service need improvement
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In some regions, people hesitate to apply due to lack of awareness
Government’s Next Steps
The government is now focusing on:
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24×7 quality power supply to all connected households
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Upgrading infrastructure for stable and reliable electricity
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Promoting rooftop solar to make households energy independent
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Strengthening village-level electrical infrastructure
Conclusion
The Har Ghar Bijli Yojana has been a major milestone in India’s journey toward inclusive development. By illuminating millions of previously dark homes, the scheme has helped change lives, empower communities, and bring India closer to its goal of universal electrification.
As the government continues to strengthen and expand the power infrastructure, this initiative remains a shining example of what focused public policy and political will can achieve. A bright home leads to a brighter future – and the Har Ghar Bijli Yojana is making that vision a reality for every Indian family.
