In the heart of Uttar Pradesh's Barabanki district lies a small village called Silaonta. Here, a remarkable transformation is taking place, led by women like Rajshri Shukla. Through the innovative Bijli Sakhi Yojana (Electricity Friend Scheme), Rajshri and thousands of other rural women are not only becoming financially independent but also revolutionizing how their communities interact with electricity services.
\n\nWhat is the Bijli Sakhi Yojana?
\n\nLaunched in May 2020 by the Uttar Pradesh government, the Bijli Sakhi Yojana aims to empower rural women by providing them with employment opportunities. Inspired by the success of the 'Banking Sakhi' initiative, this scheme trains women to collect electricity bills from households in their villages.
\n\nHow Does It Work?
\n\nBijli Sakhis like Rajshri go door-to-door in their villages, collecting electricity bills and submitting them at the nearest power office. This simple act achieves two important goals:
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- It saves villagers from standing in long queues to pay their bills \n
- It provides a steady income to the Bijli Sakhis \n
The Impact: By the Numbers
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- Over 30,000 rural women empowered \n
- More than 10,500 Bijli Sakhis have collected over ₹1,120 crore in electricity bills \n
- Bijli Sakhis have earned a combined commission of ₹14.6 crore \n
- The scheme is now active in all 826 blocks across 75 districts of Uttar Pradesh \n
A Success Story: Rajshri Shukla
\n\nRajshri's journey with the Bijli Sakhi Yojana is truly inspiring. In July 2024, she earned a commission of ₹81,900, placing her among the top 10 Bijli Sakhis in the state. Her success has not only transformed her family's financial situation but has also inspired other women in her village to join the program.
\n\nHow Much Can a Bijli Sakhi Earn?
\n\nThe earning potential for Bijli Sakhis is quite impressive:
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- For bills up to ₹2,000: ₹20 commission per bill \n
- For bills above ₹2,000: 1% commission \n
- In urban areas: ₹12 for bills up to ₹3,000, and 0.4% for bills above ₹3,000 \n
With dedication, a Bijli Sakhi can earn up to ₹50,000 per month!
\n\nHow to Become a Bijli Sakhi
\n\nTo join this empowering initiative:
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- You must be a woman and a permanent resident of Uttar Pradesh \n
- The government provides necessary equipment and training for bill collection and digital payment methods \n
- Contact your local block office or women's self-help group for application details \n
The Bigger Picture
\n\nThe Bijli Sakhi Yojana is more than just a bill collection scheme. It's a powerful tool for rural development and women's empowerment. By providing women with a source of income and a crucial role in their community's infrastructure, the program is changing lives and mindsets.
\n\nAs we look to the future, initiatives like the Bijli Sakhi Yojana serve as shining examples of how targeted government schemes can create ripple effects of positive change. They remind us that sometimes, the most effective solutions are those that empower people at the grassroots level.
\n\nSo, the next time you hear a knock at your door in rural Uttar Pradesh, it might just be your local Bijli Sakhi, ready to simplify your life and energize her own!
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