Electricity is a basic need in the modern world. But for years, millions in India lived without it. No fans in summer, no light after sunset, and no power for phones or small businesses.
To fix this, the government launched Har Ghar Bijli, a nationwide initiative to deliver electricity to every household in India, no matter how remote. It’s more than an infrastructure project—it’s about ending energy poverty and creating equal opportunity.
What Is Har Ghar Bijli?
Har Ghar Bijli is part of the larger Saubhagya Yojana, launched in September 2017. Its goal is simple: universal household electrification. That means making sure no family, whether in a city or a village, lives in the dark.
The scheme provides:
- Free electricity connections for Below Poverty Line (BPL) families
- Subsidized connections for others in need
- Solar power kits for off-grid areas
It covers rural, tribal, hilly, and border regions—places long ignored in traditional infrastructure plans.
How the Scheme Works
State-run DISCOMs (distribution companies) are responsible for rolling out the scheme. They survey areas, locate unelectrified homes, and then provide connections. This includes:
- Poles, wiring, meters, switches
- Basic load setup (like lights and fans)
- Solar home systems in remote areas
All progress is tracked through the Saubhagya Dashboard, a digital portal that provides real-time data on connections and pending areas.
Key Achievements
Since 2017, Har Ghar Bijli has brought light to more than 28 million homes. It has helped achieve over 99% electrification across the country.
Major accomplishments include:
- Electrification of every census village
- Coverage of tribal belts and forest areas in states like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Odisha
- Use of solar kits in inaccessible zones of Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh, and islands in the Andaman & Nicobar
The scheme also replaced dangerous and polluting kerosene lamps with safe, clean energy.
Impact on Lives
The change is visible everywhere power has reached.
- Children study at night
- Women use electric cooking tools and appliances
- Farmers run irrigation pumps and preserve produce
- Local clinics use fans, fridges, and basic medical devices
- Shops and micro-enterprises work longer, boosting income
Har Ghar Bijli has also enabled digital inclusion—charging mobile phones means access to e-governance, payments, and learning apps.
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Challenges Still Ahead
While connections are nearly universal, issues with power supply quality remain:
- Many rural areas face frequent load shedding
- Low voltage affects appliance usage
- Infrastructure is aging and under-maintained in some districts
- Awareness and usage gaps remain in newly connected homes
Electricity is available—but reliable, affordable, and 24×7 power is still a work in progress.
What’s New in 2025
As the basic rollout nears completion, the focus has shifted to:
✅ Rooftop Solar Expansion
Through the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, rooftop solar systems are being installed on 1 crore homes. It’s free for low-income families and reduces monthly bills.
✅ Smart Metering
Smart meters are replacing older meters across India. These allow real-time tracking, avoid billing issues, and support prepaid plans for better budgeting.
✅ Grid Modernization
Under UDAY 2.0, power companies are being financially restructured and supported to invest in better infrastructure and customer service.
Conclusion
Har Ghar Bijli has lit up homes—and lives—across India. It has broken barriers between rural and urban living, helped children learn, empowered women, and enabled small businesses to grow.
The next step is stable, smart, and sustainable power for every home. With government reforms, green energy drives, and community participation, India is not just electrifying homes—it’s building a stronger, brighter, more equal nation.
