Power cuts, darkness, and no way to charge a phone—this was once daily life for millions of Indian families. Without electricity, children couldn’t study at night, healthcare centers couldn’t run properly, and businesses couldn’t grow.
The Har Ghar Bijli scheme, launched under the Saubhagya Yojana, set out to change that. Its aim is simple: give electricity access to every household in India. This post explains how the scheme works, its results, and what it means for India’s development.
What is Har Ghar Bijli?
Har Ghar Bijli means “Electricity in Every Home”. It is a national program launched in September 2017 to ensure that no household is left without electricity, especially in rural, poor, and remote areas.
The scheme operates under the Saubhagya (Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana), driven by the Ministry of Power. It provides:
- Free electricity connections to Below Poverty Line (BPL) households
- Low-cost connections for other low-income homes
- Off-grid solar solutions for remote locations where power lines cannot reach
How Har Ghar Bijli Works
Local power companies (DISCOMs) identify homes without electricity. Once verified, they install wires, meters, switches, and connect the home to the grid.
If the area is too remote for traditional power lines, homes receive a solar power kit with basic lighting, a fan, and a mobile charger.
The entire process is digitized using the Saubhagya online dashboard and mobile tools for easy tracking, faster delivery, and public transparency.
Key Achievements of the Scheme
Since launch, Har Ghar Bijli has electrified over 28.6 million homes. As of 2025:
- 99.9% of identified households are electrified
- States like Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Assam have seen major progress
- Villages that were once completely dark now have homes with lights, fans, and TVs
The scheme also reduced the use of unsafe fuels like kerosene and helped boost digital access, especially in tribal and isolated areas.
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Impact on Rural India
Electrification has changed life across rural India. Families now enjoy safer, more comfortable homes. Children can study after sunset. Women can use mixers, lights, and fans during housework.
Health clinics are better equipped. Farmers can use electric pumps and tools. Local shops stay open longer and make more money.
Most importantly, it has brought hope—by connecting villages not just to power, but to the wider world.
Challenges That Remain
Though most homes are now connected, the next challenge is quality of supply.
- Many rural areas still face frequent outages
- Voltage issues affect appliances
- Maintenance is slow in hilly and remote areas
- Bill affordability is a concern for some poor families
Also, reaching 100% electrification in newly built or unlisted homes remains an ongoing task.
What’s New in 2025
India is now focusing on round-the-clock power and cleaner energy. Key updates include:
✅ Rooftop Solar Expansion
Through the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, over 1 crore homes will receive free rooftop solar panels, reducing dependency on the grid.
✅ Smart Meters for Better Monitoring
New smart meters help families track usage, avoid surprise bills, and promote energy savings.
✅ Strengthening Power Companies
The government is improving power company finances through UDAY 2.0, allowing better services and lower losses.
Conclusion
Har Ghar Bijli is more than a scheme—it’s a revolution. It has ended decades of energy poverty and brought millions of Indians into the modern era.
Electricity has reached where it never had before. But now the mission is about reliable, affordable, and clean energy for all. With the push for rooftop solar and smart technology, the future looks bright—and well-lit.
