Govt. Schemes

DeenDayal Upadhyay Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY) Scheme

Objective of the Scheme

The DeenDayal Upadhyay Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY) is a flagship initiative launched by the Government of India under the Ministry of Power in 2015. The scheme is primarily aimed at providing 24x7 reliable and quality power supply to rural areas across the country. The focus is on electrifying rural areas, improving power distribution, and ensuring every household in rural India has access to electricity. Additionally, the scheme emphasizes strengthening the existing power infrastructure, reducing power losses, and boosting the rural economy through reliable electricity.

A crucial part of the successful implementation of the DDUGJY scheme is the involvement of Distribution Companies (DISCOMs). DISCOMs are responsible for the distribution of electricity to consumers. They play a vital role in the operational aspect of the scheme by implementing the infrastructure upgrades required to ensure smooth and consistent power supply in rural regions.

Benefits of the Scheme:

  1. Reliable Power Supply: The scheme aims to provide 24x7 uninterrupted power supply to rural households, which is essential for improving quality of life.
  2. Rural Electrification: The DDUGJY scheme will electrify rural and remote villages that are still unconnected to the grid.
  3. Improvement in Power Quality: The scheme focuses on strengthening the power distribution networks, reducing interruptions, and improving voltage regulation.
  4. Agriculture Boost: By ensuring a steady and reliable power supply, the scheme directly benefits agricultural activities like irrigation and farming operations.
  5. Economic Growth: With access to electricity, rural businesses, industries, and small-scale enterprises will be empowered, contributing to local economic development.

Role of DISCOMs in DDUGJY: DISCOMs (Distribution Companies) play a central role in the execution and operational success of DDUGJY. They are the entities responsible for distributing electricity from the grid to the end-users, including rural households and agricultural sectors. As part of the scheme’s implementation:

Construction of Houses:

  1. Infrastructure Development: DISCOMs work on the upgradation of existing power distribution networks, ensuring they are capable of handling increased load and delivering consistent electricity to rural areas.
  2. Grid Extension: For villages that are unconnected to the main power grid, DISCOMs are tasked with extending the grid or implementing off-grid solutions (like solar micro-grids).
  3. Monitoring and Maintenance: DISCOMs monitor the performance of power supply systems in rural areas, manage maintenance schedules, and address any issues related to outages or voltage problems.
  4. Loss Reduction: One of the key objectives for DISCOMs is to reduce technical and commercial losses by improving infrastructure, installing smart meters, and ensuring effective management of power distribution in rural areas.

Eligibility Criteria:

    Who Can Apply?
  1. The scheme is implemented through State Governments and DISCOMs, which are responsible for the actual electrification work and power distribution in rural areas.
  2. Rural Households that either do not have access to electricity or experience frequent power interruptions can benefit directly from the scheme.
    Special Provisions:
  1. Special focus is given to remote villages, backward areas, and regions that have been deprived of basic electricity facilities.
  2. DISCOMs are expected to prioritize these areas for grid extension and off-grid solutions.
Requirements:
  1. Infrastructure Development: The DISCOMs are required to ensure the construction of new transmission and distribution lines in rural areas.
  2. Electrification of Villages: State governments and DISCOMs need to identify and electrify unconnected villages using either grid-based power solutions or renewable energy sources.
  3. Smart Meter Installation: DISCOMs are encouraged to deploy smart meters in rural areas for better monitoring of power consumption, loss prevention, and accurate billing.

Incentives Provided:

    Financial Support:
  1. The scheme offers financial assistance to states and DISCOMs to electrify rural areas, improve grid infrastructure, and introduce renewable energy sources where grid connectivity is not feasible.
  2. Funding is provided for both grid connectivity and off-grid solutions (such as solar power, micro-grids, etc.).
    Capacity Building:
  1. States and DISCOMs are supported in terms of capacity building for local staff, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary skills to operate and maintain the upgraded infrastructure.
Application Process:
    Steps to Apply:
  1. Planning and Proposal: State Governments and DISCOMs submit proposals to the Ministry of Power outlining their electrification plans and funding requirements.
  2. Approval: The proposal is reviewed by the Ministry of Power, and once approved, funding is allocated for the proposed works.
  3. Implementation: Upon approval, DISCOMs carry out the necessary infrastructure work, including the extension of grid lines and installation of equipment.
    Documents Required:
  1. Electrification plans from State Governments and DISCOMs.
  2. Feasibility studies and cost estimates for power distribution.
  3. Coordination agreements between DISCOMs and local authorities.

Operational Guidelines:

  1. Monitoring: DISCOMs use the DeenDayal Upadhyay Gram Jyoti Yojana Management Information System (MIS) to track progress and ensure that electrification works are being carried out on time.
  2. Public Participation: Involvement of local communities and Panchayats is encouraged to ensure that the electrification and power supply systems meet local needs effectively.

Key Features:

  1. Integrated Rural Electrification: The scheme not only focuses on household electrification but also strengthens the entire power distribution network, ensuring consistent electricity for households, agriculture, and industries.
  2. Focus on Renewable Energy: For remote areas that are not accessible by the grid, off-grid solutions (such as solar micro-grids) are promoted, ensuring sustainable energy options.
  3. Smart Meters and Monitoring: The installation of smart meters by DISCOMs helps in efficient power management, accurate billing, and real-time monitoring of power usage and losses.

FAQs

  1. Q- Who can apply for PMAY?
    Ans- Any EWS, LIG, or MIG family without a pucca house in their name.
  2. Q- What is the loan limit under the scheme?
    Ans- There is no upper limit on the loan, but subsidies apply only to specific limits (₹6 lakh, ₹9 lakh, ₹12 lakh).
  3. Q- Can I apply for both Urban and Gramin PMAY?
    Ans- No, the scheme applies either to rural or urban beneficiaries based on location.
  4. Q- Are there specific projects for PMAY?
    Ans- Yes, affordable housing projects are built under PMAY guidelines.

Contact Information: For further details on the DeenDayal Upadhyay Gram Jyoti Yojana, you can contact:

  1. Ministry of Power, Government of India
  2. Official Website: www.powermin.nic.in
  3. Toll Free No. 1912, 1800-180-3023

The DDUGJY Scheme is a vital step toward rural electrification, ensuring that reliable, affordable, and quality power reaches every corner of rural India. With the involvement of DISCOMs, the scheme stands as a critical component of India’s progress toward energy sustainability and rural development.