Lucknow: Around 16,000 women associated with self-help groups in UP collected nearly Rs 3,500 crore in electricity bill payments under the Vidyut Sakhi programme, according to figures released by state govt.The women have facilitated payment of 1.53 crore electricity bills over the past five years and collectively earned Rs 45.4 crore as commission.The programme is jointly implemented by the UP State Rural Livelihood Mission (UPSRLM) and UP Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL). It allows trained women from self-help groups to collect electricity bill payments through an e-wallet-based system in villages and nearby areas.According to govt data, 31,681 women have been identified as Vidyut Sakhis across the state, while more than 16,000 are currently active after recharging their e-wallets.Officials said the programme provides a local payment option for rural consumers who may otherwise have to travel to electricity department counters or payment centres.Vidyut Sakhis earn commissions on transactions. For bills up to Rs 2,000, the commission is Rs 20 in rural areas and Rs 12 in urban areas.The initiative is intended to provide village-level livelihood opportunities to self-help group members while expanding the power department’s bill collection network.
