• Dr. Anita Shrivastava

Rural electrification is the main weapon of empowering rural people in any state.Bihar,which was known as one of the ‘BIMARU States’ and’ the land of dark houses’ is now a role model in rural electrification for other states in the country. Rajiv Gandhi Gramin Vidyutikaran Yojna’ continues to be the one all-encompassing program for rural electrification in Bihar. As 89% population of Bihar resides in villages, the economy of Bihar is rural economy. The rural electrification programmes will have a manifold effect on the state. In impoverished and backward areas, even small amount of electricity will save time and labour. To eradicate rural poverty in state, strengthening of rural infrastructure is necessary which is only possible with access of people to power. It is urgent need of the hour to make connectivity of the villages to the rest of the world and electricity is the only medium to run all electronic gadgets and to explore the world of knowledge. The present paper analyses the growth trends of rural electrification in Bihar. From the state of darkness to becoming a role model with 100% electrification in rural areas, role of BSEB(Now BSPHCL),its strategies and programmes ,challenges and problems in the field of rural electrification has been discussed in this paper.

Electrification, Strategies, Challenges, Rural poverty

"Rural Electrification in Bihar: Growth Prospects", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.6, Issue 4, page no.1161-1169, April-2019, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1904R73.pdf

"Rural Electrification in Bihar: Growth Prospects", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.6, Issue 4, page no. pp1161-1169, April-2019, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1904R73.pdf