Electricity is more than just a switch—it’s a lifeline. In many parts of India, families lived without power for decades. That meant no lights at night, no fans in the summer, and no way to charge a phone or power a fridge. To solve this, the Government of India launched Har Ghar Bijli, a nationwide effort to provide electricity to every household, especially those in rural and underdeveloped areas. The scheme is a key part of India’s goal to improve quality of life for all citizens, no matter where they live.
What is Har Ghar Bijli?
Har Ghar Bijli, under the umbrella of the Saubhagya Yojana, was introduced in 2017. The name means “electricity for every home.” The goal is simple: make sure every family, even in the most remote corners of India, has access to electricity.
The plan gives free connections to Below Poverty Line (BPL) households and low-cost options for others. From cities to small villages in the hills and forests, the government committed to making power accessible and inclusive.
How the Scheme Reaches Everyone
The scheme works through state-level power distribution companies (DISCOMs). These teams locate homes without power and install connections. This includes poles, wires, meters, and switches.
For very remote areas—where it’s hard or impossible to connect to the main power grid—families receive solar-based home systems. These setups come with LED lights, a fan, and mobile charging points, giving people access to basic electricity needs.
The government also built tools like the Saubhagya app and website, which let families check their application status or get updates on their village’s electrification progress.
Milestones and Achievements
The results have been remarkable. By 2021, over 99% of households identified under the scheme had been connected to power. As of 2025, more than 28 million homes have received electricity through Har Ghar Bijli.
States like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Assam, and Odisha saw major changes. In many tribal and remote areas, people got electricity for the first time. The success of the scheme was tracked live through a national dashboard system, ensuring real-time progress and transparency.
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Life After Electrification
When electricity arrives in a village, everything changes. Children can study at night. Families feel safer. Women can use electric appliances that reduce time spent on household work.
Health centers benefit too. Clinics can refrigerate vaccines and operate longer hours. Shops and home-based businesses can run longer, creating more income. Even something as simple as charging a phone can make a big difference—giving people access to digital banking, education, and emergency help.
Ongoing Challenges
Even with big gains, some challenges remain. Many homes still suffer from irregular supply or voltage drops, especially in rural zones. Infrastructure maintenance is often delayed due to poor road access or staff shortages.
Also, while BPL families get free connections, paying monthly bills remains a burden for some. Awareness about safe usage, maintenance, and bill payment is still low in parts of the country.
What’s Next in 2025 and Beyond
The next phase of Har Ghar Bijli focuses on stable, 24×7 power supply and green energy adoption.
Solar Rooftops for All
The government launched the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, which aims to install rooftop solar systems on 1 crore homes. This will reduce power bills and add clean energy to the national grid.
Upgrading to Smart Infrastructure
Smart meters are replacing old ones, helping track power use and reduce losses. These meters allow for prepaid billing and better monitoring.
Reforms Under UDAY 2.0
To strengthen electricity providers (DISCOMs), the government is pushing UDAY 2.0, a reform plan to reduce their losses and improve service quality.
Conclusion
Har Ghar Bijli has changed how millions of Indian families live. It has brightened homes, improved health and education, and given people a tool for progress.
While challenges remain, the foundation has been laid. The future is focused on better supply, smarter systems, and cleaner energy. With strong government support and new reforms, India is not just lighting homes—it is empowering every citizen with opportunity.
