India's electrification schemes 'Saubhagya a DDUGJY' appreciated by IEA

India's electrification efforts have received significant praise from the International Energy Agency (IEA) in its World Energy Outlook report. The IEA commended initiatives such as Saubhagya (Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana) and Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY), which have been instrumental in transforming rural electrification. Notably 2018, nearly 100 million people were connected to electricity, equivalent to the annual effort required to bridge the gap in sub-Saharan Africa by 2030. These schemes focus on last-mile connectivity, ensuring electricity reaches un-electrified households, and strengthening the rural distribution network. 

The Indian government has electrified 18,374 villages under DDUGJY and connected 2.86 crore households under Saubhagya. Projects worth US$ 21.70 billion (Rs. 1,85,000 crore) were implemented to enhance distribution systems, including upgrading substations and underground cabling. Additionally, under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), left-out households, particularly those from Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups, are being electrified. The scheme, with an outlay of US$ 35.54 billion (Rs. 3,03,000 crore) and gross budgetary support of US$ 11.45 billion (Rs. 97,631 crore) over 2021-22 to 2025-26, has sanctioned US$ 30.73 billion (Rs. 2,62,000 crore) for infrastructure and smart metering upgrades. These initiatives underscore India's commitment to providing uninterrupted power to all households, marking a significant milestone in its electrification journey. 

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