Gandhinagar, Dec 9 (LatestNewsX) – to lift the standard of living for Gujarat’s most vulnerable households, the state’s Jhopadi Electrification Scheme is broadening its reach, offering free power connections to those living in shacks throughout both rural and urban areas.
The government reports that, as of November 2025, more than 1,009,000 jhopadis have secured zero‑cost electricity under this initiative. In just the past five years, the state invested ₹8,499 lakh to electrify 1,52,466 jhopadis, noticeably uplifting the day‑to‑day life of low‑income families.
For the fiscal year 2025‑26, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has set aside an extra ₹1,617 lakh, aiming to bring the program to an even larger group of beneficiaries. To broaden eligibility, the state has steadily risen the annual income threshold for participants. Ten years ago, it stood at ₹27,000; today it has climbed to ₹1.50 lakh, encompassing BPL households and other economically disadvantaged families across all castes.
In 2018, income ceilings were revised dramatically – rural eligibility rose from ₹47,000 to ₹1.20 lakh, while urban eligibility increased from ₹68,000 to ₹1.50 lakh. This expansion has allowed thousands of shack dwellers to obtain free electricity. The scheme, which began in 1996‑97 under the Gujarat Electricity Board (GEB), was restructured in 2003 during major power sector reforms led by former Chief Minister‑turned–Prime Minister Narendra Modi. GEB was split into four distribution companies: DGVCL, MGVCL, PGVCL, and UGVCL; these DISCOMs have carried out the Jhopadi program ever since.
Under CM Bhupendra Patel, the current administration has maintained this reform‑oriented strategy, accelerating electrification for the poorest households. In 2024‑25, the state provided 25,939 free connections at a cost of ₹1,617.03 lakh, a testament to its ongoing commitment to easing living conditions and slashing poverty.
The Energy & Petrochemicals Department runs the scheme. Eligible BPL and low‑income families apply as follows: in rural areas, they submit applications to the Taluka Development Officer or Taluka Panchayat office; in urban locales, applications go to the municipality or municipal corporation office. Once approved lists reach the respective DISCOM regional offices, they verify eligibility and issue free connections.
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