A new era of women’s participation in governance unfolds in Uttar Pradesh as the ‘Vidyut Sakhi’ model clocks an extraordinary ₹3,227 crore in electricity bill recoveries. Spearheaded by Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya, the program has empowered thousands of rural women, proving their mettle in revenue generation.
Through convergence with the State Rural Livelihood Mission and UP Power Corporation, these women from SHGs are now the backbone of rural power services. Maurya noted the dual benefits: rising incomes and elevated community status, positioning it as a cornerstone for female empowerment.
Program metrics are impressive—1.40 crore bills collected, ₹42 crore commissions distributed. Presently, 15,413 Vidyut Sakhi operatives reach the last mile. The OTS period (Dec 2025-Feb 2026) saw ₹657 crore inflows: a peak ₹349 crore in December, tapering strategically to ₹120 crore in February, alongside 17.75 lakh bill clearances and ₹8 crore commissions.
District leaders: Saharanpur, Sultanpur, Meerut, Amethi. Personal triumphs include Amethi’s Soni Dwivedi (₹3.1 Cr), Rampur’s Meher Jahan (₹2.7 Cr), Barabanki’s Rajshri Shukla (₹2.3 Cr). Notably, 70 women surpassed ₹1 crore each, etching history.
Beyond numbers, Vidyut Sakhi symbolizes transparent distribution, economic upliftment, and accessible services. It underscores that empowered women can revolutionize public utilities, blending social good with fiscal efficiency for a brighter rural future.