The Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched a new scheme: Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana- Saubhagya to ensure electrification of all households in the country in rural as well as urban areas.
The project will involve an outlay is Rs 16,320 crore while the Gross Budgetary Support (GBS) is Rs 12,320 crore. The central government will largely provide funds for the scheme.
The states and union territories are required to complete the work of household electrification by the 31 December 2018.
The un-electrified households not covered under the SECC data will also be provided electricity connections under the scheme on payment of Rs 500 which shall be recovered by DISCOMs in 10 installments through electricity bills.
The solar power packs of 200 to 300 watts with battery bank for un-electrified households located in remote and inaccessible areas comprise five LED lights, one DC fan, and one DC power plug. The repair and maintenance is for five years. The Rural Electrification Corporation (REC) will remain the nodal agency for the operationalisation of the scheme throughout the country.