Magazine

Last edition
September 2024

Home › Policies & Regulations ›Government Accelerates Electricity Access for Vulnerable Tribal Groups

Government Accelerates Electricity Access for Vulnerable Tribal Groups

In a recent announcement, it was revealed that nearly 88,000 households belonging to PVTGs are slated to receive electricity under the PM JANMAN initiative.

February 08, 2024. By Abha Rustagi

The Government of India, under the leadership of the Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy, has intensified efforts to electrify rural areas, particularly targeting vulnerable tribal communities.

In a recent announcement, it was revealed that nearly 88,000 households belonging to Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) are slated to receive electricity under the PM JANMAN initiative.

This significant development comes as part of the government's broader mission to ensure universal electrification across the country. Initiatives like the Deen Dayal Gram Jyoti Yojana and the Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (SAUBHAGYA) have played pivotal roles in electrifying villages and households, with a total of 2.86 crore households already benefiting from these schemes.

The government's commitment to providing electricity to every household is underscored by the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), which aims to enhance the quality and reliability of power supply. Under RDSS, additional households, including those missed out under SAUBHAGYA, are being electrified, with a particular focus on PVTGs.

Furthermore, a new Solar Power Scheme has been launched specifically for PVTG communities under PM JANMAN. This scheme aims to electrify all un-electrified PVTG households by providing off-grid solar systems, where grid connectivity is not feasible. Additionally, solar lighting will be provided in 1500 Multi-Purpose Centres (MPCs) in PVTG areas.

The total financial outlay for the Solar Power Scheme amounts to INR 515 crores, demonstrating the government's commitment to sustainable and inclusive development. The scheme also includes provisions for electrification through standalone solar home lighting systems and solar mini-grids, catering to households in scattered areas.

State-wise details reveal significant progress in electrification efforts, with various Discoms actively working to bring electricity to PVTG communities. A total of 327 habitations, comprising 5067 households, are set to benefit from electrification works in renewable modes across states like Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Telangana, and Tripura.

This announcement marks a crucial step forward in the government's ongoing efforts to bridge the electricity access gap and improve the livelihoods of marginalized communities, particularly PVTGs, across the country.

Tags:

Policies & Regulations

Vulnerable Tribal Groups

PM JANMAN initiative

Electricity supply

Electricity usage

Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups

PVTGs

SAUBHAGYA

RDSS

Marginalized communities