Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana revised

New Delhi: The Government has sanctioned electrification of habitations with a population of 100 under the Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana which earlier was limited to habitations with 300 or more people. This information was given by Shri Sushilkumar Shinde, Union Power Minister during a Press Meet in New Delhi today. Interacting with the Media persons the Minister expressed confidence that the Government will achieve its target of power for all.

Following are the highlights of the achievements under the RGGVY which was launched in April 2005 to electrify all the un-electrified remaining villages by 2009:

Continuation of the scheme in the 11th Plan was sanctioned on 3rd January 2008 with a capital subsidy of Rs. 28,000 Crores. Government had approved capital subsidy of Rs. 5000 Crore in the 10th Plan.

It has also been made compulsory to supply minimum 6 to 8 hours power supply to villages electrified under RGGVY

In the 11th Plan, the cost norm for giving free connections to BPL families has been raised to Rs. 2200 per connection from Rs. 1500.

All the districts of the North East, border districts and disturbed districts will be taken up under RGGVY on priority.

As on 25th January 2008, 45,602 un-electrified villages have been electrified. Further, 25,087 villages have been intensively electrified.

Electricity connections have been provided to 22.87 Lakh rural households, which includes free connections to 18.76 Lakh BPL households.

Franchisees have been installed in 73,422 villages in 14 states.