(a) whether the Government is aware that a large number of people living in rural areas are facing several difficulties in getting the benefits of electrification under the Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana (RGGVY);
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
(c) whether the villagers are being provided information regarding benefits of the said Yojana through awareness campaign;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) if not, the reasons therefor?
THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR POWER, COAL AND NEW & RENEWABLE ENERGY ( SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL )
(a) & (b) : Government of India launched `Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana` – Programme for creation of Rural Electricity Infrastructure & Household Electrification, in April 2005 for providing access to electricity for rural households and release of free electricity connections to BPL households. Under the scheme, 648 projects were sanctioned in the country during X & XI Plan, covering electrification of 1,12,287 un-electrified villages, intensive electrification of 3.71 lakh electrified villages and release of free electricity connections to 2.73 crore BPL households. Cumulatively as on 31.10.2014, the electrification works in 1,08,703 un-electrified villages, intensive electrification of 3.12 lakh electrified villages have been completed and free electricity connections to 2.20 crore BPL households have been released in the country.
Further, Government of India has approved continuation of RGGVY in the XII Five Year Plan with the aim to electrify left out villages and habitations having population above 100. Under the scheme, 273 projects have been sanctioned in the XII Plan, covering electrification of 12,468 un-electrified villages, intensive electrification of 2,31,935 electrified villages, electrification of 5,39,993 habitations and release of free electricity connections to 1.33 crore BPL households.
(c) to (e) : As per guidelines of RGGVY, the Discom is expected to provide this information to the villagers.