New Delhi: The Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy, Shri R. K. Singh, has announced significant strides in the electrification efforts for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) under the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN) scheme. Nearly 88,000 households of PVTGs are set to receive electricity connections as part of this initiative.
The government’s commitment to rural electrification has been evident through various schemes, including the Deen Dayal Gram Jyoti Yojana and the Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (SAUBHAGYA). Under these schemes, a total of 18,374 villages were electrified, with 2,763 villages powered by renewable resources. Additionally, SAUBHAGYA focused on universal electrification of households, with 2.86 crore households benefiting from the initiative.
The Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) is another crucial program aimed at improving the quality and reliability of power supply to consumers. With an outlay of Rs. 3,03,758 Crore over five years, RDSS is supporting the electrification of households missed under SAUBHAGYA. The scheme has universal coverage and focuses on strengthening the sub-transmission and distribution network.
Under RDSS, proposals for 4.96 lakh household electrification works have been sanctioned for Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Andhra Pradesh, with a total cost of Rs. 813 crores. Additionally, under PM-JANMAN, on-grid electrification of 87,863 households in 7,113 habitations has been sanctioned.
A new initiative, the New Solar Power Scheme, has been introduced for PVTG habitations/villages under PM JANMAN. This scheme aims to cover the electrification of all un-electrified PVTG households through off-grid solar systems where grid supply is not feasible. The scheme also includes provisions for solar lighting in 1500 Multi-Purpose Centres (MPCs) in PVTG areas where grid electricity is unavailable. The financial outlay for this scheme is Rs. 515 crores.
The Union Minister highlighted the government’s commitment to ensuring that the benefits of electrification reach even the most vulnerable and remote communities. This initiative aligns with the broader goals of enhancing energy access and inclusivity, ensuring that no section of society is left in the dark. The government continues to work towards achieving its targets in providing sustainable and reliable power to all citizens.
This information was provided by Shri R. K. Singh in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha on February 6, 2024.
