The Bijli Sakhi scheme, launched by the Uttar Pradesh government in May 2020, has emerged as a significant initiative aimed at empowering rural women by providing them with job opportunities and financial independence. This program enables women to collect electricity bills from households in villages and deposit them at nearby electricity offices, earning commissions for their efforts. Women across the state are finding a new source of income and improving their financial conditions.
One such inspiring story is of Rajshree Shukla, a resident of Silauta village in Barabanki district. Through this scheme, Rajshree earns over Rs 50,000 monthly, and her story has inspired many other women in her village to follow in her footsteps.
How the Bijli Sakhi Scheme Works
The Bijli Sakhi initiative draws its inspiration from the successful ‘Banking Sakhi’ program, which also provided employment opportunities to rural women. The scheme’s primary objective is to offer a platform for women, particularly those who are educated but unemployed, to contribute to their family’s income by becoming Bijli Sakhis. As Bijli Sakhis, these women visit homes in their respective villages, collect electricity bills, and ensure they are deposited on time.
By eliminating the need for villagers to stand in long queues, Bijli Sakhis have made the process more convenient for rural residents while earning a steady income.
Eligibility and Earnings for Bijli Sakhis
The scheme has already empowered more than 30,000 women in Uttar Pradesh. Women who are permanent residents of Uttar Pradesh and meet the eligibility criteria can apply to become a Bijli Sakhi. Those who join the scheme are provided with all the necessary equipment to collect electricity bills and issue digital receipts.
Bijli Sakhis earn a commission based on the value of the electricity bills they collect. In rural areas, they earn Rs 20 for bills up to Rs 2,000, and for bills exceeding Rs 2,000, they receive a 1% commission. In urban areas, they earn Rs 12 for bills up to Rs 3,000 and 0.4% on bills exceeding this amount.
For many, this income has proven to be transformative. Rajshree Shukla, for example, earned Rs 81,900 in July 2024 alone, placing her among the top 10 Bijli Sakhis in Uttar Pradesh. Her success story highlights the scheme’s potential for financial empowerment and independence.
How the Bijli Sakhi Scheme Benefits Women and Communities
The Bijli Sakhi scheme offers multiple benefits, both for the women involved and the local communities they serve. Firstly, it provides rural women with a reliable source of income, helping them support their families and become financially independent. Rajshree herself started with an income of Rs 30,000 in 2020 and has since seen a dramatic improvement in her family’s financial situation.
Additionally, the scheme makes life easier for villagers by reducing the hassle of bill payments. With Bijli Sakhis visiting homes to collect payments, villagers no longer need to travel to electricity offices and stand in long queues.
Furthermore, the scheme has helped reduce losses for electricity distribution companies by ensuring that bills are paid on time. This has contributed to better revenue collection and smoother operations for these companies.
Success of the Bijli Sakhi Scheme
Since its inception, the scheme has seen remarkable success. Over 10,500 Bijli Sakhis have collected electricity bills worth more than Rs 1,120 crore in the last four years, earning a collective commission of Rs 14.6 crore. The scheme was initially launched as a pilot project in eight districts of Uttar Pradesh, but its success led to its expansion across all 826 blocks in 75 districts of the state.
The government’s goal was to provide employment opportunities to rural women who were previously confined to their homes, and it has successfully achieved this objective. With many women now able to earn a substantial monthly income, the Bijli Sakhi scheme has not only improved individual lives but has also positively impacted rural communities.
Joining the Bijli Sakhi Scheme
Women interested in becoming Bijli Sakhis can apply through government agencies that oversee the scheme. The government also provides training to the women, helping them become proficient in digital payment methods and bill collection processes.
With the scheme continuing to expand and empower more women across the state, the Bijli Sakhi initiative is playing a crucial role in uplifting rural women and providing them with opportunities for financial growth. For women like Rajshree Shukla, the scheme has proven to be life-changing, and it continues to inspire others to take charge of their financial futures.
