Rural Electrification Drive On Low Voltage

New Delhi: India’s electrification programme significantly increased access to power, with one in 13 previously unconnected small villages and one in seven rural households gaining electricity connection, according to a new study.

The programme led to a 14 per cent increase in household grid connections and notable improvements in basic amenities such as electric lighting and fan adoption. However, more expensive appliances did not see increased adoption. Launched in 2005, the ambitious Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana aimed to provide electricity to more than 4,00,000 (4 lakh) rural villages.

The programme drastically increased electricity access in villages with more than 300 inhabitants, the study revealed.