New Delhi (ABC Live): Launched in October 2017, the Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana ( SAUBHAGYA ) was one of India’s most ambitious social infrastructure programs. Its aim was straightforward: to electrify every willing household—rural or urban, rich or poor. By the time of its closure on 31st March 2022, the scheme had electrified 2.86 crore households, dramatically reducing India’s energy poverty.

But connections alone do not guarantee electricity access. For India to declare victory on electrification, the challenge is to ensure a universal, reliable, affordable, and sustainable power supply. This requires confronting last-mile delivery in difficult terrains, rising per-household costs, equity gaps, and the sustainability of distribution companies (DISCOMs).

Key Data Tables and Insights

Table 1: SAUBHAGYA Electrification by State (2017–2022)

? Deep Insight:

• Concentration: Nearly two-thirds of electrification occurred in just five states (U.P., Bihar, Odisha, M.P., Rajasthan). This reflects structural deficits in historically power-poor regions.

• Backlog Legacy: Eastern India’s heavy share shows decades of under-investment in rural electrification compared to southern and western states, which had already achieved near-universal coverage.

• Frontier States: North-East states contributed less in absolute terms, but their achievement was significant given the mountainous terrains, dispersed hamlets, and conflict-affected regions.

Table 2: Cost Comparison – Different Phases of Electrification

*Based on Ministry of Power statements.

? Deep Insight:

• Escalating Marginal Costs: Electrifying the first 95% of households was relatively affordable. The last 5% are five to six times more expensive due to remoteness, sparse populations, and high logistics costs.

• Equity vs Efficiency Dilemma: Policymakers must decide whether to prioritise economic efficiency (stop at grid-feasible households) or equity (extend power even at high costs to the most vulnerable). India has chosen equity—aligning with constitutional commitments.

• Solar Safety Net: The off-grid scheme represents a parallel track, ensuring no household is left behind even if the grid cannot reach them.

Table 3: Roadmap to Achieve SAUBHAGYA Objectives

? Deep Insight:

• Electrification without reliability metrics risks “dark connections”—lines on paper but powerless in reality.

• A consumer-centric approach (smart meters, DBT subsidies, grievance redressal) must replace the older supply-side focus.

Table 4: Top 5 States – Share in SAUBHAGYA Connections

? Deep Insight:

• U.P.’s dominance reflects both the largest rural population base and historic deprivation.

• Rajasthan and Odisha showcase the challenge of electrifying geographically large and scattered villages.

• Concentration in these states also signals where future sustainability issues (losses, theft, outages) will be most pressing.

Why ABC Live is Publishing This Report Now

India stands on the threshold of declaring universal household electrification, but the final mile is the hardest. With 13.59 lakh households under RDSS and 9,961 households via solar, the question is no longer “if” but “how well” electrification is delivered.

• Economic urgency: At nearly ?50,000 per household, last-mile electrification is a fiscal and policy challenge.

• Equity urgency: These households are tribal, PVTG, or border populations—if they are left behind, the promise of “Power for All” is incomplete.

• Global urgency: As India pitches itself as a leader in energy transition, its credibility depends on whether universal access is reliable and sustainable.

? References

• SAUBHAGYA overview – Ministry of Power: https://powermin.gov.in/en/content/saubhagya

• RDSS scheme – Ministry of Power: https://powermin.gov.in/en/content/revamped-distribution-sector-scheme-rdss

• M.K. Ranjitsinh v. Union of India (2021) – Right to sustainable energy under Article 21. Read here

• Chameli Singh v. State of U.P. (1996) – Electricity and shelter as part of dignified living under Article 21. Read here

Why This Report is Unique Compared to Other Media Reports

Most media reports echo government press releases. ABC Live adds value by:

1. Data depth – Tables on state-wise electrification and cost-per-household.

2. Equity focus – Highlighting the vulnerable groups targeted under PM-JANMAN, PM-AJAY, DA-JGUA, and VVP.

3. Policy-practice gap – Emphasising KPIs like SAIDI/SAIFI and grievance closure rates, not just connections.

4. Regional analysis – Showing 66% concentration in five states, which will shape future distribution challenges.

5. Judicial perspective – Linking electrification to constitutional rights under Article 21 with Supreme Court cases.

6. Visualisation – Infographics and maps for transparent communication.

? In essence: ABC Live positions electrification not just as a government milestone, but as a constitutional imperative, fiscal test, and governance challenge.

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