A recent audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India has uncovered significant deficiencies in the execution of a flagship rural electrification program. The report, which scrutinizes the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana, points to failures in meeting key objectives intended to transform power access in the countryside.
Key Findings of the CAG Audit
The DDUGJY scheme was launched by the government in 2014 with a set of ambitious goals. Its primary aims were to enhance the duration and quality of power supply for rural consumers, strengthen the overall distribution infrastructure, and complete pending works from the earlier Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana (RGGVY). However, the CAG's investigation found that the implementation fell short on multiple fronts.
The auditor's report indicates that the targets for improving power supply duration were not consistently achieved across the states examined. Furthermore, the bolstering of distribution infrastructure—a critical component for reducing losses and ensuring reliable electricity—did not meet the planned benchmarks. The audit also highlighted issues with the completion of works that had been carried over from the previous RGGVY scheme, suggesting a discontinuity in resolving long-standing electrification challenges.
Implications for Rural Infrastructure and Consumers
The shortcomings identified by the CAG have direct consequences for millions of rural households and the nation's power sector health. Inadequate infrastructure strengthening can lead to persistent technical and commercial losses, affecting the financial viability of power distribution companies. For the end consumer, it often translates to unreliable supply, frequent outages, and an inability to fully leverage electricity for economic activities.
The failure to complete pending RGGVY works means that some villages or hamlets may have been left with partial or substandard electrification, undermining the comprehensive reach of the scheme. This audit brings to light the gap between policy intent and ground-level execution, a crucial factor for schemes that require meticulous project management and monitoring.
Looking Ahead: Accountability and Future Schemes
The CAG report, finalized and reported on 19 December 2025 by journalist Ajith Athrady, serves as a vital accountability mechanism. It provides Parliament and the public with an objective assessment of how public funds were utilized for a critical national development program. The findings are expected to prompt discussions on improving the implementation framework for such large-scale infrastructure projects.
As India continues to push for 24x7 reliable power for all, the lessons from this audit of DDUGJY are invaluable. They underscore the need for robust monitoring, timely execution, and a focus on tangible outcomes rather than just physical targets. The insights will likely influence the design and oversight of future energy sector initiatives to ensure that investments truly bridge the urban-rural power divide.
