Gujarat Sardar Krushi Jyoti Yojana Upgrades Agricultural Power Infrastructure to Improve Farm Electricity Supply

Overview of the Sardar Krushi Jyoti Yojana

The Gujarat Sardar Krushi Jyoti Yojana (SKJY) is an infrastructure initiative implemented by the Energy and Petrochemicals Department of the Government of Gujarat. Launched during the 2017-18 period, the program focuses on upgrading and stabilizing electricity supply for agricultural consumers across the state.

Rather than providing direct cash transfers or financial subsidies to individuals, the state-run initiative targets the physical electrical grid supplying farms. Over time, environmental factors such as humidity, salty coastal air, and industrial pollution accelerate the degradation of distribution lines, often shortening their standard operational lifespan. To counter frequent power interruptions and safety hazards caused by aging infrastructure, the scheme replaces dilapidated lines and bifurcates overloaded agricultural feeders.

Implementation and Funding Structure

Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL) oversees the execution of the scheme through its constituent electricity distribution companies (DISCOMs). DISCOM personnel conduct detailed field surveys to identify vulnerable, heavily loaded, or deteriorated agricultural lines. Once identified, upgrade and bifurcation work is assigned to agencies selected via e-tendering.

The financial model relies entirely on state and utility contributions. The Government of Gujarat provides 80% of the total project cost as assistance, while the implementing DISCOM covers the remaining 20%. Participating farmers do not incur any costs for the infrastructure upgrades, nor is there any direct benefit transfer (DBT) involved.

Practical Implications and Eligibility

Eligible beneficiaries must be residents of Gujarat with active electricity connections specifically linked to agricultural feeders. Consumers connected to Jyoti Gram feeders, GIDC feeders, or urban/industrial lines do not fall under the scope of this initiative.

Because the program relies on utility-led surveys rather than individual applications, farmers do not need to register online to receive infrastructure benefits. However, individuals experiencing chronic power cuts, frequent conductor snapping, or severely aging lines near their agricultural connections can report issues directly to their local DISCOM Sub-Divisional Office for review.

Confirmed Facts Versus Unknowns

• Confirmed: The scheme replaces conductors over 35 years old or those with more than three joints per span, repairs poles, and divides overloaded agricultural feeders. Funding is split 80-20 between the state government and DISCOMs.
• Unknown: Specific localized schedules for future feeder upgrades and exact annual infrastructure completion targets are determined internally by GUVNL and local DISCOM surveys rather than a published public calendar.

Readers can verify official guidelines, eligibility details, and departmental contact numbers directly on the [Gujarat Sardar Krushi Jyoti Yojana Official Source](https://www.govtschemes.in/gujarat-sardar-krushi-jyoti-yojana-skjy).