Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana, Launch Date, Benefits

The Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana is a scheme launched by the Government of India with the aim of providing uninterrupted power supply to the rural areas of India. This scheme replaces the existing Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana. The name of the scheme is inspired by political thinker Deen Dayal Upadhyaya. In this article, we are going to cover about the DeenDayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana, its background, benefits, significance and challenges.

Also Read: Atal Bhujal Yojna

Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana Background

The Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana aims to help in feeder separation (agricultural and households) and also strengthen the transmissions and distribution infrastructure. The government also aims to resolve the problems related to rural electrification by fixing electricity meters all over rural India. Rural energy needs cover: 

• Cooking 
• Basic lighting 
• Irrigation 
• Communication 
• Water heating 
• Cottage industry 

According to Census 2011, states are required to provide a list of 18,452 un-electrified villages as on 1 April, 2015. In support of the rural electrification programme launched by government of India in 2014, launched Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana. 

DDUGJY Objectives 

The objectives of Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana include: 

• Supply electricity to all villages 
• Feeder separation to make sure that all farmers and other consumers receive sufficient power supply.
• Improve sub-transmissions of electricity and distribution networks to improve quality and reliability of supply. 
• Measuring to reduce losses. 

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Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana Features 

Following are the features of Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana: 

• Separating agriculture and non-agriculture feeders. 
• Sub-transmission strengthening and augmentation and distribution of infrastructure in rural areas including metering of distribution transformers feeders/consumers. 
• Rural electrification as per CCEA approval to complete targets laid down under RGGVY. 
• Make sure rapid electrification and feeder separation. 
• Strengthen rural distribution infrastructure. 
• Monitor progress for smooth and fast implementation of electrification. 

Grameen Vidyut Abhiyantas (GVAs): Ensuring Accountability in Rural Electrification

• To ensure transparent and effective implementation of rural electrification efforts, the Central Government has deployed Grameen Vidyut Abhiyanta (GVAs)—rural electrification engineers appointed from within the same regions they serve.
• These GVAs play a crucial role in real-time monitoring of the electrification process. Their field reports are shared via the GARV (Grameen Vidyutikaran) app, making the information accessible to both government officials and the public.
• This system of transparency increases accountability and puts constructive pressure on State governments to ensure timely execution and quality delivery of rural electrification projects.

Also Read: Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Vikas Yojna

DDUGJY Challenges in Rural Electrification

Despite policy efforts like the Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana (RGGVY) and other initiatives, rural electrification has faced several critical challenges:

• High Cost and Low Returns: Extending the grid to remote villages is capital-intensive, and cost recovery is limited due to heavily subsidised tariffs and low tariff collection rates, resulting in negative financial returns.
• Power Supply Constraints: Intermittent power supply and rationing due to generation shortfalls continue to hamper consistent electrification.
• Operational Hurdles: High operation and maintenance costs, particularly in remote or forested areas, make the model economically unsustainable without ongoing support.
• Inaccessibility and Security Concerns: Many unelectrified villages are located in inaccessible terrain or are affected by left-wing extremism, making grid extension logistically and strategically difficult.
• Regional Disparities: Electrification levels remain disproportionately low in certain States, especially in eastern India, reflecting uneven development and infrastructural outreach.