AI SummaryChhattisgarh government launched a new scheme called Bijli Sakhi Yojana in Jashpur district to help women become financially strong. Scheme started on 23rd October 2025 under Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai as a pilot project. It aimed to support women in earning a steady income by taking part in electricity meter reading work in far-off tribal villages.
Scheme has been closed or it was a one time scheme which has been closed by the government.
Under this scheme, 21 women from Self Help Groups (SHGs) were selected and trained to work as "Bijli Sakhis". They took care of meter reading and bill-related work in areas where electricity staff found it hard to reach. The idea was to turn these women into "Lakhpati Didis" by helping them earn up to ₹1 lakh per year.
What is Bijli Sakhi Yojana?
Main aim of Bijli Sakhi Yojana was to provide regular income to rural women while improving electricity meter reading services. Many tribal and remote areas earlier had problems with meter reading, leading to delays and wrong bills. With the help of Bijli Sakhis, the department got accurate readings on time and women got job opportunities near their homes.
Also Read: Chhattisgarh Voter List - Check Name & Download PDF List from ceochhattisgarh.nic.in
Key Highlights of Bijli Sakhi Yojana
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Launched by | Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai |
| District | Jashpur, Chhattisgarh |
| Department | Chhattisgarh Power Distribution Company |
| No. of Women Selected | 21 Self Help Group members |
| Monthly Income | ₹4,000 to ₹6,000 |
| Per Meter Reading Payment | ₹12 |
| Expected Annual Earnings | ₹50,000 to ₹1,00,000 |
| Area of Pilot | Bagicha Development Block |
How Bijli Sakhi Yojana Worked?
STEP 1: The electricity department and district administration selected 21 active and literate women from different Self Help Groups in Jashpur.
STEP 2: These women were trained on how to take proper meter readings and record data.
STEP 3: They were appointed as "Bijli Sakhis" to manage meter reading work in nearby villages.
STEP 4: For every meter reading, they got ₹12, which added up to around ₹4,000 - ₹6,000 per month.
STEP 5: Many Bijli Sakhis worked for about 5 - 7 days a month, earning extra income while supporting their families.
Impact of Bijli Sakhi Yojana
Scheme brought a big change in Jashpur's rural areas. Earlier, electricity staff faced trouble visiting remote homes for readings. Women from those same villages started doing the work easily. It helped in better service and gave these women financial independence.
According to officials, the pilot ran smoothly in Jashpur. It showed how government schemes can make a real difference in the lives of rural women.
Reactions from Beneficiaries
Many women who took part in the scheme shared their happiness, saying that they were now earning on their own and helping their families. They thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, and local officials for giving them this opportunity. Some of them earned ₹50,000 - ₹60,000 a year, which is a big achievement for rural families.
Chhattisgarh government also runs other schemes to support women. Mahatari Shakti Loan Yojana offers collateral-free loans up to ₹25,000 to women. Chhattisgarh Dhan Lakshmi Yojana is another scheme for women and girls in the state.