PIB Summary- 25th September, 2021 | PIB (Press Information Bureau) Summary - UPSC PDF Download

SAUBHAGYA Scheme

Details

• SAUBHAGYA is one of the largest household electrification drives in the world. 
• The scheme was launched in 2017 with the objective of achieving Universal Household Electrification in the country, through last mile connectivity and providing access to electricity to all un-electrified households in rural areas and poor households in urban areas.

It mandates the states and union territories to complete all household electrification. The scheme is in line with the Government’s agenda to provide 24/7 power for all by 2019. 

• Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) of 2011 will be used as the basis to determine the beneficiaries for free electricity connections. The other un-electrified households are required to bear a charge of Rs. 500 in order to get an electricity connection, which the electricity distribution companies of India (DISCOMS) would recover in 10 installments as a part of their electricity bill.
• The nodal agency for implementation of the scheme across the country would be the Rural Electrification Corporation Limited (REC).
• Transformers, meters, wires, and other such types of equipment will be made available at subsidized prices.
• For rural households without electricity in remote and inaccessible areas, solar power packs of 200Wp-300Wp with battery banks will be provided. The same would be repaired and maintained for 5 years from the date of installation. It will consist of a DC power plug, a DC fan, and five LED lights.
• A mobile application would be used for the survey of households. It provides for on-spot registration of identified beneficiaries by obtaining their application for electricity connection with identity proof and photograph.
• The Gram Panchayats or Public Institutions in rural areas are required to take care of the application process and documentation. They shall, in consultation with Panchayat Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies be authorized to distribute bills and collect revenue.

Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana Objectives

• Reduced environmental degradation by ruling out the use of Kerosene for lighting purposes.
• Improved educational services.
• Improved health services.
• Improvement in communication.
• Improvement in public safety and quality of life, primarily for women.
• Increased employment opportunities.
• Increased economic activity.

Condition of Power Sector in India

• The Ministry of Power which started functioning independently in 1992 is primarily responsible for the development of electrical energy in the country.
• India ranks third globally in terms of electricity production.
• As per the Paris Accord on Climate Change, India made a pledge that by 2030, 40% of installed power generation capacity shall be based on clean sources, it was determined that 175 GW of renewable energy capacity will be installed by 2022.
  • This includes 100 GW from solar, 60 GW from wind, 10 GW from bio-power and 5 GW from small hydropower.
• India has 5th Global position for overall installed renewable energy capacity, 4th position for wind power and 5th position for solar power.
• As of October, 2018, a total of around 73.35 GW of renewable energy capacity has been installed in the country, which includes around 34.98 GW from Wind, 24.33 GW from solar, 4.5 GW from Small Hydro Power and 9.54 GW from Bio-power.
• Power sector has a 100% foreign direct investment (FDI) permit, which boosted FDI inflows in the sector.

Prelims Facts

Coir Board

• Coir Board was set up under the Coir Industry Act, 1953 by the Government of India for the overall sustainable development of coir industry in the country. 
• The functions of the Board as laid down under the Act include undertaking, assisting and encouraging scientific, technological and economic research, modernization, quality improvement, human resource development, market promotion and welfare of all those who are engaged in this industry.
• It is headquartered in Kochi, Kerala.
• The coir industry was concentrated in the State of Kerala, which has now proliferated to other parts of the country also, with the efforts taken by the Board.
• The Board also runs various schemes/programs including R&D activities, training programs, extending financial support for setting up of coir units, domestic as well as export market development, welfare measures to the workers, etc.