Electricity is more than just a light switch—it’s access to education, safety, communication, and income. Yet, not long ago, millions of Indian homes were still in the dark. To change that, the Indian government introduced Har Ghar Bijli, a large-scale initiative designed to deliver electricity to every single household, especially in rural and underdeveloped regions. Since its launch, the scheme has reached families that once lived without power, connecting them to a brighter future.
What is Har Ghar Bijli?
Har Ghar Bijli is part of the broader Saubhagya Yojana, officially known as the Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana. Launched in September 2017, the scheme targets 100% household electrification across India.
The approach is inclusive: families that fall below the poverty line (BPL) are provided free electricity connections. Others receive connections at minimal costs. For remote regions where grid extension isn’t feasible, the government offers standalone solar power systems. This ensures even the most isolated homes receive basic electricity.
The implementation is handled by state DISCOMs, who are responsible for identifying unelectrified households, installing connections, and maintaining infrastructure. Through this program, the government has eliminated one of the biggest gaps in basic infrastructure—power.
How the Scheme Has Transformed Lives
Since its introduction, Har Ghar Bijli has changed life in rural and tribal India. In homes that once used kerosene lamps, families now have LED bulbs and ceiling fans. Children can study after sunset. Phones can be charged, enabling access to digital learning, banking, and healthcare services.
Women, who traditionally bore the burden of cooking and household work without electricity, now save time using electric mixers, lights, and other devices. Local health centers store medicines and vaccines in powered refrigerators, improving care quality. Even small businesses benefit—rural shops can now operate longer hours, increasing daily earnings.
Beyond household use, the scheme has supported community development. Streetlights improve safety. Village centers host meetings and training sessions at night. And thanks to electricity, more rural schools now use digital learning tools in their classrooms.
Progress Made So Far
India has made enormous strides under the Har Ghar Bijli scheme. As of 2025, over 28.6 million households have been electrified, with 99.9% coverage achieved in most states. Villages in regions like Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Assam that were once energy-deprived are now fully powered.
This achievement is historic, considering India’s vast and diverse geography. From desert villages in Rajasthan to snow-bound areas in Ladakh and dense forests in Chhattisgarh, electricity has reached places previously considered inaccessible. Thanks to solar kits and microgrids, even households far from main power lines now enjoy basic electricity.
Challenges Still Ahead
While nearly all households now have access to electricity, power quality and reliability remain ongoing concerns. In many rural districts, power cuts are frequent. Voltage fluctuations still damage electrical devices. And in hilly or forested regions, weather-related disruptions are hard to fix quickly due to difficult terrain.
Affordability is another issue. While the initial connection may be free or low-cost, monthly electricity bills can be a burden for low-income families. Some even avoid using fans or lights to reduce expenses. There’s also a need for stronger awareness campaigns on energy usage and electrical safety, particularly in newly electrified regions.
Maintaining this infrastructure requires steady funding and trained personnel. DISCOMs need continuous support to upgrade transformers, lines, and service centers. As more homes become dependent on electricity for daily life, reliability will matter just as much as access.
New Additions in 2025
In 2025, Har Ghar Bijli is evolving. With universal access nearly achieved, the focus is now shifting to sustainability, efficiency, and affordability.
One of the major advancements is the integration with the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, which provides free rooftop solar systems to one crore homes. This move reduces dependency on the grid and cuts down monthly electricity bills, especially in areas with consistent sunlight.
Smart meters are another key development. These digital meters let users monitor their electricity usage in real-time and offer prepaid options that give users more control. This is especially helpful in rural areas where families want to manage costs.
At the utility level, the UDAY 2.0 program is helping strengthen power distribution companies. Better financial management and upgraded infrastructure are making electricity supply more stable and services more responsive.
Conclusion
Har Ghar Bijli is more than a policy—it’s a promise fulfilled. It has brought light to homes, opportunity to villages, and dignity to people who were long left behind. With near-total electrification now a reality, India is turning its attention to making power more reliable, clean, and affordable for all.
The journey doesn’t end here. By combining solar energy, smart grids, and community involvement, the government is ensuring that this light stays on—not just today, but for future generations.
