Gandhinagar, Dec 9 (NationPress) In an effort to enhance the living standards of the state's most disadvantaged families, the Gujarat government's Jhopadi Electrification Scheme is progressively broadening access to complimentary electricity connections for hut residents in both rural and urban settings.

As per official reports, over 10.09 lakh jhopadis have received free electricity connections through this initiative as of November 2025. Over the past five years, the government has allocated Rs 8,499 lakh to electrify 1,52,466 jhopadis, markedly improving the living conditions for low-income households.

For the fiscal year 2025-26, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has set aside an additional Rs 1,617 lakh to ensure the scheme benefits even more families.

To broaden eligibility, the state has consistently raised the income threshold for beneficiaries. A decade ago, this limit was merely Rs 27,000; it has now been increased to Rs 1.50 lakh, encompassing both BPL households and other economically challenged families, irrespective of caste.

In 2018, substantial revisions were made to the income criteria: Rural beneficiaries saw a rise from Rs 47,000 to Rs 1.20 lakh, while urban beneficiaries' limits increased from Rs 68,000 to Rs 1.50 lakh. This expansion has allowed thousands more hut residents to gain access to free electricity connections. The scheme, which began in 1996-97, was initially rolled out by the Gujarat Electricity Board (GEB).

In 2003, under the leadership of then Chief Minister and current Prime Minister Narendra Modi, significant reforms were made in the power sector, leading to the restructuring of GEB into four distribution companies: DGVCL, MGVCL, PGVCL, and UGVCL. Since then, these DISCOMs have been responsible for implementing the Jhopadi Electrification Scheme.

The present government, led by CM Bhupendra Patel, has maintained this reform-oriented strategy, expediting electrification for the most impoverished households.

During 2024-25, the state granted 25,939 free electricity connections under the scheme at a cost of Rs 1,617.03 lakh. This ongoing investment underscores the government’s dedication to enhancing quality of life and alleviating poverty.

The scheme is executed through the Energy & Petrochemicals Department. Eligible BPL and low-income families can apply as follows:

Rural areas: Applications are to be submitted to the Taluka Development Officer or the Taluka Panchayat office.

Urban areas: Applications are accepted at the municipality or municipal corporation office. Approved beneficiary lists are sent to the respective DISCOM regional offices, which then provide free electricity connections after confirming eligibility.