Bijli Sakhi Yojana: Empowering Rural Women, One Bill at a Time

The Bijli Sakhi Yojana is an initiative launched by the Uttar Pradesh government in May 2020 to empower rural women by providing them with employment opportunities in the energy sector. Under this scheme, women, referred to as “Bijli Sakhis,” are engaged in collecting electricity bills from households in rural areas, thereby promoting financial independence and improving energy service efficiency.

Key Objectives of Bijli Sakhi Yojana

• Women Empowerment: Provide employment to women associated with self-help groups and the National Livelihood Mission, enabling them to become financially independent.
• Improved Bill Collection: Enhance electricity bill collection efficiency in rural areas by facilitating doorstep services.

Key Features:

• Employment Generation: As of 2024, over 10,500 Bijli Sakhis have been actively involved in bill collection across all 826 blocks in 75 districts of Uttar Pradesh.
• Financial Inclusion: Bijli Sakhis have collectively collected over ₹1,120 crore in electricity bills, earning a combined commission of ₹14.6 crore, thereby contributing to their household incomes.
• Training and Support: Selected women receive training on using banking applications and are equipped with necessary tools to facilitate bill collection.

Benefits of Bijli Sakhi yojna :

• Income Generation: Bijli Sakhis earn a commission of ₹20 per bill collected and an additional 1% commission for bills exceeding ₹2,000.
• Skill Development: Training programs enhance digital literacy and financial management skills among rural women.
• Community Service: Facilitates convenient bill payment options for rural households, improving overall compliance and revenue collection.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Gender: Only women are eligible to apply.
2. Residency: Applicants must be permanent residents of Uttar Pradesh.
3. Association: Preference is given to women associated with self-help groups and the National Livelihood Mission.
4. Age: Applicants should be between 18 to 50 years old.
5. Education: A minimum educational qualification of 10th grade is required.

Application Process:

• Registration: Interested candidates can register through their respective self-help groups or local National Livelihood Mission offices.
• Documentation: Submit necessary documents, including Aadhaar card, residence proof, educational certificates, and bank account details.
• Training: Upon selection, candidates undergo training on bill collection processes and the use of relevant technology.
• Deployment: After training, Bijli Sakhis are assigned specific areas in their respective districts to commence bill collection activities.

The Bijli Sakhi Yojana stands as a testament to the Uttar Pradesh government’s commitment to empowering rural women, enhancing their socio-economic status, and improving public service delivery in the energy sector.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

What is the main aim of the Bijli Sakhi Yojana?

The scheme aims to empower rural women by providing them employment in electricity bill collection, thereby promoting financial independence and improving bill collection efficiency in rural areas.

How can one become a Bijli Sakhi ?

Interested women can apply through their local self-help groups or National Livelihood Mission offices, meet the eligibility criteria, and undergo the required training.

What are the earnings of a Bijli Sakhi?

Bijli Sakhis earn a commission of ₹20 per bill collected and an additional 1% for bills over ₹2,000. Earnings can range from ₹8,000 to ₹10,000 per month, depending on the number of bills collected.

Is there any training provided for Bijli Sakhis?

Yes, selected candidates receive training on bill collection procedures, use of banking applications, and customer interaction to effectively perform their duties.

What impact has the scheme had so far?

As of 2024, over 10,500 Bijli Sakhis have collected more than ₹1,120 crore in electricity bills across Uttar Pradesh, earning a combined commission of ₹14.6 crore, thereby contributing significantly to rural women’s empowerment and financial inclusion.