Question : Saubhagya Scheme

(a) whether the Government has recently announced that electricity connection to every household in the country under the Saubhagya Scheme will be provided by December 31, 2018, if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether the Union Government is aware that electrification has led to an increase in aggregate, technical and commercial losses of power distribution utilities;

(c) if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether to check AT&C losses of power distribution utilities, the Union Government has taken any corrective steps; and

(e) if so, the details thereof?

THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR POWER
AND NEW & RENEWABLE ENERGY

( SHRI R. K. SINGH )

(a) : Government of India launched Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana –“Saubhagya” with the objective to achieve universal household electrification by providing electricity connections to all households in rural and all poor households in urban areas by March, 2019. Under Saubhagya, Government of India gives funds to the States to the extent of 60% (85% for special category states) as grant. An additional grant of 15% (5% for special category states) is also available subject to achievement of 100% household electrification of all households by 31st December, 2018.

(b) to (e) : Electrification does not increase Aggregate Technical & Commercial (AT&C) losses. The Government have taken several measures to reduce AT&C losses including close monitoring of overall States’ performance, identification of Divisions with high AT&C losses, central funding under DDUGJY & IPDS for strengthening of sub-transmission and distribution networks and metering of distribution transformers / feeders / consumers.

Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) have also been signed under Ujwal Discom Assurance Yojana (UDAY) amongst State Governments/Union Territories, Power Distribution Companies (DISCOMs) and the Ministry of Power, which inter-alia envisages DISCOMs undertaking various steps including reduction in AT&C losses, campaign to control power theft etc.

*************