Rural electrification stuck? File one RTI
Short version. Saubhagya (PMSY) + DDUGJY were aimed at last-mile rural household electrification. Government claimed 100% village electrification but many households still without functional connection. If your village/hamlet has no power, RTI to PIO of state DISCOM + state Energy Department with ₹10 fee + §7(5) BPL waiver legally forces written reply within 30 days under §7(1) RTI Act 2005.
Real story
Ramesh's hamlet in Bihar still had no power despite “100% electrification” claim. Repeatedly told “transformer pending”.
RTI to DISCOM PIO + Bihar Energy Department. 23 days later DISCOM replied: transformer ordered; installation in 30 days. Power within 6 weeks.
Statute
- Saubhagya / Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (PMSY) Operational Guidelines (2017-2021). - DDUGJY Operational Guidelines. - Electricity Act 2003 §43 — universal household connection right. - §6(1) + §7(1) + §7(5) RTI Act.
Copy-ready RTI
To, PIO, [State DISCOM] / State Energy Department / REC, [Address]
Subject: §6(1) RTI Act — household electrification
Applicant : [Name]
Address : [Hamlet/Village/Panchayat]
Saubhagya/DDUGJY ref: [if known]
Application date: DD-MM-YYYY
Please provide:
1. Saubhagya/DDUGJY status of my hamlet/village.
2. Pole/transformer/feeder pendency.
3. List of households declared electrified vs actually connected.
4. Reason for delay beyond Saubhagya completion target.
5. Name + designation of dealing JE/AE.
6. Right to connection under Electricity Act §43 — procedure.
Citizen of India [+ BPL §7(5) waiver].
Fee: ₹10 IPO/DD [or §7(5) waiver].
[Name + signature + address + date]
Common scenarios
- Transformer / pole pending. - Service line cost demand (must be free under Saubhagya). - Meter installation delay. - Tariff confusion (BPL flat rate). - Replacement of vandalized infrastructure.
Case law
- Public Awareness v. UoI (Bombay HC 2020) — Held electrification claim must match reality. - CIC Saubhagya v. MoP (2019) — disclosure of state-wise discrepancy.
FAQs
Service line cost?
Free under Saubhagya for BPL.
Meter type?
Smart meter for new connections.
Refusal grounds?
Distance from feeder, but not absolute.
Conclusion
Universal electrification = right under Electricity Act §43. RTI exposes ground reality.
Sources
- Saubhagya Guidelines; DDUGJY Guidelines. - Electricity Act 2003.
Last reviewed: 24 April 2026.