Why in the News? 

Electrification across rural India under the Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana (RGGVY) led to a doubling of per capita monthly expenditure alongside a 10 per cent increase in the number of firms in large villages. However, in smaller villages of around 300 people, electrification under it did not drive economic growth, according to the study conducted by the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago. 

About the Scheme 

• Launched: 2005 
• Objective: To electrify unconnected villages and provide access to electricity in rural areas and enhance the quality of life and economic development. 
• It is also known as Rural Electricity Infrastructure and Household Electrification Scheme. 
• The scheme is being implemented through the Rural Electrification Corporation (REC) designated as Nodal Agency by the Ministry of Power.
• The Scheme is funded 90% by Central government and 10% by Rural Electrification Corporation (REC).
• It aimed to electrify over 400,000 villages across India, targeting areas that lacked access to reliable electricity.