Question : Saubhagya Scheme

(a) the salient features of the Saubhagya Scheme and the current status of its implementation in the country;

(b) the number of beneficiary households covered under the scheme, State/UT-wise;

(c) whether the scheme includes any provisions to address the problem of affordability of power and the inability of rural households to pay the electricity bills and if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether the scheme includes any provision to address the rampant use of illegal connections of electricity and if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the additional power that is expected to be required after the inclusion of households under this scheme and the steps being taken by the Government to meet the future power demand?

THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR POWER, NEW & RENEWABLE ENERGY AND THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR SKILL DEVELOPMENT & ENTREPRENEURSHIP

( SHRI R.K. SINGH )

(a) & (b) : Government of India launched Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana – Saubhagya, with an outlay of Rs.16,320 crore in October, 2017. The salient features of the scheme are as under:

(i) Last mile connectivity and electricity connections to all un-electrified households in rural areas and poor households in urban areas.


(ii) Solar based standalone systems for un-electrified households located in remote and inaccessible villages/habitations where grid extension is neither feasible nor cost effective.

All the States reported electrification of all willing households as on 31.03.2019, except few households in LWE affected Bastar region of Chhattisgarh. States reported electrification of 2.63 crore households since launch of scheme till 31.03.2019. The State/UT-wise details of household connection provided is given in Annexure.

(c) : Under the scheme, free electricity connection is provided to all un-electrified poor households whereas for non-poor rural households an amount of Rs.500 would be recovered by the DISCOMs/Power Departments from the beneficiary in ten equal installments in subsequent electricity bills. Electricity consumption bill is borne by the consumers. Determination of tariff is within the domain of the concerned State with the approval of appropriate regulator.

(d) : Distribution of electricity lies in the domain of State/DISCOM and onus is on them to take action against illegal connection. Section 135 of Electricity Act, 2003 has specific provisions for detection of theft and penalizing a consumer with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years or with fine or with both. Use of electricity through tampered meters and use of electricity for unauthorized purpose etc. are covered under the definition of theft under Section 135(1) (d) & (e) of Electricity Act, 2003. Further, Section 153 of Electricity Act, 2003 provides for setting up Special Courts in the States for speedy trial of offences related to theft of electricity and other offences related to theft of electricity and other offence as referred in Sections 135 to 140 and Section 150 of Electricity Act, 2003.

(e) : Adequate installed capacity exists in the country to meet the demand. The total installed capacity of the country stands at 356.100 GW as on 31.03.2019 with average peak demand of 177.022 GW.

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