Impact Assessment of Saubhagya Rural Electrification Program
This paper evaluates the socio-economic impact of the Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (SAUBHAGYA), a large-scale electrification initiative launched by the Government of India in 2017 to achieve universal household electrification.
Drawing on survey data from over 33,000 households and complementary qualitative research, this study—conducted by researchers from UCLA, UCSD, and RTI International—assesses how SAUBHAGYA has influenced access to electricity, household energy use, asset ownership, health, education, and economic well-being. The findings suggest that electrified households experienced improvements in quality of life, including increased use of electrical appliances, reduced health complaints linked to poor air quality, and greater time for education and work. Respondents also reported enhanced safety and security. However, the study notes methodological constraints such as the absence of a control group and overlapping benefits from other government programs, limiting causal inference. Despite these limitations, the research underscores the substantial role electrification has played in shaping household welfare, while recommending that future programs integrate impact evaluation planning at the design stage.
Research Report 2025