Saubhagya scheme

Why in news?

• Saubhagya scheme completes four years of successful implementation. 2.82 crore households have been electrified since the launch of the scheme.

What is SAUBHAGYA scheme?

• Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana –“Saubhagya” is a scheme from the Ministry of Power to ensure electrification of all willing households in the country in rural as well as urban areas.
• It was launched in 2017.
• The Rural Electrification Corporation Limited (REC) is the nodal agency for the operationalization of the scheme throughout the country.

Beneficiaries of the project

• The scheme covers both urban and rural households.
• Under it, free electricity connections are provided to below poverty line (BPL) households
• The beneficiaries for free electricity connections would be identified using Socio Economic and Caste Census (SECC) 2011 data.
• However, un-electrified households not covered under the SECC data would also be provided electricity connections under the scheme on payment of Rs. 500 which shall be recovered by DISCOMs in 10 instilments through electricity bill.

Funding:

• The total cost of the Saubhagya project is pegged at Rs. 16,320 crore, of which, 60 per cent is funded by the Centre, 30 per cent by bank loans and the remaining 10 per cent by State governments

Add ons:

• The scheme envisages electricity connection for each household by drawing a service cable from the nearest electricity pole to the home, installing an energy meter, and wiring for a single light point with an LED bulb and a mobile charging point.
• In case a pole is not available, a new one is erected with a conductor and associated accessories.
• For remote and inaccessible areas, electricity is provided through solar panels and five LED lights, one DC fan and one DC power plug can be used.
• Repair and maintenance for five years is also part of the scheme.

PRACTICE QUESTION:

Which of the following statements are correct regarding Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana - Saubhagya?

1. Entire cost of the scheme is borne by the Union Government

2. Under this scheme, electricity is provided to remote and inaccessible areas through solar panels

2. Rural Electrification Corporation Limited (REC) is the nodal agency which operationalize the scheme.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 2 Only

(b) 1 and 3 Only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1,2 and 3

Answer