Progress in Rural Electrification but Millions Still Don’t Have Access to Electricity
India has made substantial progress in achieving rural electrification over the past two decades with 96.7% of villages electrified, as of Jan 31st, 2014. However, electrification is defined as 1.) electricity being available at public places 2.) and at least 10% of households receiving electricity. Subsequently, almost 45% of rural households don’t have electricity as per Census 2011. Electrification must include access to electricity for ALL households.
4 states, all in the North-East still have more than 10% of villages that don’t have electricity.
43.2% of rural households still use kerosene as primary source of lighting; as high as 88.4% in Bihar.
DDUGJY scheme launched to ensure round the clock power supply to rural households.
