The Government of India has reiterated its commitment to providing reliable electricity to every household, highlighting major progress achieved through flagship schemes aimed at rural and last-mile electrification. According to the Ministry of Power, programmes such as Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana and the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme have significantly expanded access to electricity across the country.

Officials said the focus has now shifted from basic connectivity to improving the quality and reliability of power supply, particularly in remote and vulnerable regions.

Universal Village Electrification Achieved

Under the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana, the government connected every inhabited un-electrified census village to the grid while strengthening rural distribution networks. As per official data, all such villages were electrified by April 28, 2018.

– Villages electrified under DDUGJY: 18,374

– Below Poverty Line households covered: 49,25,124

The subsequent Saubhagya scheme aimed at universal household electrification by providing connections to all willing un-electrified homes. States and Union Territories reported completion of this target by March 31, 2019.

– Households electrified under Saubhagya: 2.86 crore

Both schemes were formally closed on March 31, 2022, after achieving their primary objectives.

Focus Shifts To Remote And Vulnerable Households

The ongoing Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme now targets areas where access remains difficult due to terrain, remoteness or socio-economic challenges. The programme includes special attention to tribal communities, border villages and disadvantaged groups.

– Sanctioned electrification works under RDSS: Rs 6,521 crore

– Households targeted: 13.65 lakh

– Households electrified so far: 2.93 lakh

Beneficiaries include Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups, Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes and residents of remote border regions under initiatives such as PM-JANMAN, PM-AJAY and the Vibrant Village Programme.

From Connectivity To Reliable Supply

Experts note that while grid connectivity has largely been achieved, ensuring uninterrupted and quality power remains a challenge in many rural areas. Infrastructure upgrades, loss reduction and improved distribution networks are now central to government efforts.

Officials said periodic monitoring, inspections and coordination with state governments are being undertaken to accelerate project implementation and improve service delivery.

With electrification reaching most parts of the country, the next phase aims to ensure that households not only have connections but also receive dependable power to support economic activity, education and improved living standards.

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