The Uttar Pradesh Rural Development Department launched the Bijli Sakhi Yojana (also known as Vidyut Sakhi Programme) under the UP State Rural Livelihood Mission (UPSRLM) to create employment opportunities for rural women. Currently, over 30,000 women are registered under this initiative across all 75 districts of Uttar Pradesh. The programme engages Self-Help Group members in door-to-door electricity bill collection activities. This guide covers complete eligibility criteria, commission structure, earning potential, and the registration process for women seeking enrollment.
Bijli Sakhi Yojana 2025-26 Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Bijli Sakhi Yojana / Vidyut Sakhi Programme |
| Implementing Department | Rural Development Department, UP |
| Mission | UP State Rural Livelihood Mission (UPSRLM) |
| Partner Agency | Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) |
| Total Registered Women | Over 30,000 |
| Active Vidyut Sakhis | Approximately 15,000 |
| Coverage | All 826 Blocks in 75 Districts |
| Total Bill Collection (Till Date) | Over Rs 1,870 Crore |
| Commission Earned by Women | Rs 24.6 Crore (Since Launch) |
| Monthly Earning Potential | Rs 3,000 to Rs 50,000 |
| Registration Mode | Through Self-Help Groups |
| Official Portal | upenergy.in |
The Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited entered into an agreement with the National Rural Livelihood Mission to enable Self-Help Group members to collect electricity bills from households at their doorsteps. Currently, 73 cluster level associations are registered on the UPPCL portal as authorized agencies for bill collection across the state.
Eligibility Criteria for Bijli Sakhi Registration
Understanding who qualifies for this programme helps women determine their enrollment status before approaching local authorities.
Basic Requirements:
- Applicant must be a female resident of Uttar Pradesh
- Must be a member of a registered Self-Help Group (SHG)
- Basic literacy is required for digital payment handling
- Should have access to a smartphone for transactions
- Bank account in applicant’s name is mandatory
Age Limit
The programme does not specify strict age boundaries. Women of working age who are active members of Self-Help Groups and capable of performing door-to-door bill collection activities are eligible to participate.
Domicile Requirement
Applicants must be permanent residents of Uttar Pradesh. The programme operates exclusively within UP’s 75 districts through the established network of Self-Help Groups and Village Organisations.
Commission Structure for Bijli Sakhis
The earning potential under this scheme depends on the volume and value of bills collected. Here is the official commission breakdown:
For Rural Areas:
| Bill Amount | Commission |
|---|---|
| Up to Rs 2,000 | Rs 20 per bill |
| Above Rs 2,000 | 1% of bill amount |
For Urban Areas:
| Bill Amount | Commission |
|---|---|
| Up to Rs 3,000 | Rs 12 per bill |
| Above Rs 3,000 | 0.4% of bill amount |
Women who demonstrate consistent performance and cover larger territories can earn substantial monthly income through this commission-based model.
Real Earning Examples from the Field
The programme has produced remarkable success stories across Uttar Pradesh:
Rajshree Shukla from Silauta village, Barabanki district stands among the top performers. In FY 2024-25, she collected approximately Rs 9 crore in electricity bills, translating into annual commission earnings exceeding Rs 12 lakh. In July 2024 alone, she earned Rs 81,900 in commission.
In FY 2024-25, Vidyut Sakhis collectively earned about Rs 13.4 crore in commissions. Additionally, 438 women achieved the coveted ‘Lakhpati Didi’ status by earning annual household income of Rs 1,00,000 or more through this programme.
Revenue Growth Under Vidyut Sakhi Programme
| Financial Year | Revenue Collected |
|---|---|
| 2021-22 | Rs 87 Crore |
| 2024-25 | Rs 1,045 Crore |
| 2025-26 (Q1) | Rs 256 Crore |
The programmer witnessed an 11-fold increase in revenue collection from 2021-22 to 2024-25, demonstrating its expanding reach and effectiveness.
Selection Process for Bijli Sakhi
The enrollment follows a structured pathway through existing SHG networks:
- SHG Membership Verification through Village Organisations
- Basic Training on digital payment methods and bill collection procedures
- Equipment Provision including devices for collecting bills and issuing receipts
- Registration on UPPCL Portal through cluster level associations
- Field Deployment in assigned villages and areas
- Performance Monitoring by mission officials
Women receive comprehensive training on using banking applications and handling digital transactions before starting field work.
How to Register for Bijli Sakhi Yojana
Step 1: Join a Self-Help Group operating in your village or block
Step 2: Contact your Village Organisation or Cluster Level Federation for enrollment details
Step 3: Submit required documents including Aadhaar Card, bank account details, and residence proof
Step 4: Complete the training programme provided by government agencies
Step 5: Get registered on the UPPCL portal through your cluster association
Step 6: Receive necessary equipment and credentials for bill collection
Step 7: Begin door-to-door bill collection activities in assigned areas
Women who are not currently SHG members must first join an existing group or form a new one with support from block-level officials.
Programme Network Structure
| Level | Current Numbers |
|---|---|
| Total SHG Women Mobilised in UP | Nearly 98 Lakh |
| Self-Help Groups | 8.93 Lakh |
| Village Organisations | 62,756 |
| Cluster-Level Federations | 3,272 |
| Registered Cluster Associations (UPPCL) | 73 |
This robust network ensures smooth implementation and support for Bijli Sakhis across the state.
Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| UPPCL Official Portal | https://www.upenergy.in |
Benefits of Joining Bijli Sakhi Programme
For Women:
- Flexible working hours allowing household responsibilities
- Commission-based income with no fixed salary cap
- Financial independence and improved family status
- Community respect and recognition as service providers
- Skill development in digital transactions
For Villagers:
- Doorstep bill collection eliminates travel to offices
- Saves time previously spent in long queues
- Convenient payment through trusted local women
- Digital receipts for transaction records
Expansion to Other States
Following the success in Uttar Pradesh, the Chhattisgarh government launched Bijli Sakhi Yojana in November 2024 in the tribal-dominated Jashpur district. Under this programme, trained women earn Rs 12 per meter reading while covering approximately 1,000 households each.
This expansion indicates growing recognition of the model’s effectiveness in women empowerment and rural service delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Bijli Sakhi Yojana launched in Uttar Pradesh?
The programme was launched in May 2020 by the UP government as part of the UP State Rural Livelihood Mission following the success of the Banking Sakhi initiative.
How much can a Bijli Sakhi earn monthly?
Earnings vary based on performance. Women can earn between Rs 3,000 to Rs 50,000 monthly. Top performers have earned over Rs 80,000 in a single month through dedicated efforts.
What is required to become a Bijli Sakhi?
Women must be permanent residents of UP and members of registered Self-Help Groups. Basic literacy and ability to handle digital payments are essential requirements.
Which department manages the Bijli Sakhi Programme?
The Rural Development Department implements this through UPSRLM in partnership with UPPCL for electricity bill collection operations.
How many women have achieved Lakhpati Didi status through this programme?
As of FY 2024-25, 438 Vidyut Sakhis achieved Lakhpati Didi status by earning annual household income of Rs 1,00,000 or more.
Where can women register for this programme?
Registration happens through local Self-Help Groups and Village Organisations. Women should contact their block office or nearest SHG federation for enrollment guidance.
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