Backdrop

Rural Electricity involves supply of energy for two types of programmes:

1. Production oriented activities like minor irrigation, rural industries etc.;
2. Electrification of villages.

While the emphasis is laid on exploration of ground water potential and energisation of pumpsets/tube wells, which has a bearing on agricultural production, the accent in respect of areas covered under the Revised Minimum Needs Programme (RMN P), is on village electrification.

According to the earlier definition: .A village is classified as electrified if electricity is being used within its revenue area for any purpose what. so-ever..

This definition of village electrification was reviewed in consultation with the State Governments and State Electricity Boards and the following new definition was adopted:

A village will be deemed to be electrified if electricity is used in the inhabited locality within the revenue boundary of the village for any purpose whatsoever..

It has been decided to revise the definition of village electrification and a new proposed definition of village electrification is as under:

1. The basic infrastructure such as distribution transformer and or distribution lines is made available in the inhabited locality within the revenue boundary of the village including at least one hamlet/Dalit Basti as applicable and
   
2. Any of the public places like Schools, Panchayat Office, Health Centres, Dispensaries, Community centers etc. avail power supply on demand and
   
3. The ratings of distribution transformer and LT lines to be provided in the village would be finalized as per the anticipated number of connections decided in consultation with the Panchayat/Zila Parishad/District Administration who will also issue the necessary certificate of village electrification on completion of the works.
   
4. The number of household electrified should be minimum 10% for villages which are unelectrified, before the village is declared electrified. The revision of definition would be prospective.