Power Ministry to meet states on Wednesday for Saubhagya implementation

NEW DELHI: The Union power ministry will hold a meeting with states on Wednesday to formalise the implementation strategy for the Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (Saubhagya).

The meeting will discuss the present status of household electrification, state-wise existing schemes, states' preparedness and implementation plans, a senior government official said.

Under the scheme, states have to prepare the detailed project reports (DPRs) and submit to the Union power ministry for approval. The process is expected to take a minimum 2-3 months, he said.

The Rs 16,320 crore Saubhagya scheme envisages providing energy access to all by December 2018 and includes release of electricity connections by drawing a cable from the nearest electricity pole to the household premise, installation of energy meter, wiring for a single light point with LED bulb and a mobile charging point.