Rural Electrification in India: Exploring the Possibilities Dripto Mukhopadhyay The Policy Guidelines Rural Electrification is viewed as the key component for accelerating rural development. It is essential to cater for requirements from agriculture and other important activities including small and medium industries, khadi and other village industries, health care facilities, educational facilities and the communication and information technology. However, a large section of the rural population in India is still devoid of this basic minimum requirement for a decent living. To combat this, under the National Common Minimum Programme (CMP), provision of access to electricity for all households is envisaged and the Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana (RGGVY) has been launched by the central Government in April, 2005. The primary aim was to provide electricity to all un-electrified villages/un-electrified hamlets and providing access to electricity to all households in next five years. The Policy aimed at: • Provision of access to electricity to all households by year 2009. • Quality and reliable power supply at reasonable rates. • Minimum lifeline consumption of 1 unit per household per day as a merit good by year 2012.