Vidyut Sakhis Drive Massive Electricity Arrears Collection in Uttar Pradesh
In a remarkable display of grassroots financial mobilization, over 15,000 Vidyut Sakhis across Uttar Pradesh have successfully collected approximately Rs 657 crore in outstanding electricity bill payments under the state's One Time Settlement (OTS) scheme. This intensive three-month campaign, conducted from December 2025 to February 2026 by the Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL), has not only recovered significant revenue but also empowered thousands of women with substantial earnings.
Substantial Commissions Earned by Women Collectors
The door-to-door collection effort proved highly lucrative for the participating Vidyut Sakhis, who collectively earned around Rs 8 crore in commissions for their diligent work. These women, trained under a convergence program between UPPCL and the Uttar Pradesh State Rural Livelihood Mission, have become agents of financial inclusion and transparency in the state's power distribution network.
Commission Structure and Collection Breakdown
The compensation model for Vidyut Sakhis varies between rural and urban areas, creating tailored incentives for maximum collection efficiency:
- Rural Areas: Rs 20 per transaction for bills up to Rs 1,999, and 1% commission for higher amounts
- Urban Areas: Rs 12 per bill up to Rs 3,000, and 0.4% commission for larger payments
This structured approach yielded impressive monthly collections: Rs 349 crore in December 2025, followed by Rs 188 crore in January 2026, and Rs 120 crore in February 2026. In total, nearly 17.75 lakh electricity bills were settled under the OTS scheme during this period.
Top Performers and District-Level Achievements
Among the thousands of participants, standout performers demonstrated exceptional collection capabilities. A remarkable 70 Vidyut Sakhis alone collected Rs 70 crore, showcasing the program's potential for individual financial empowerment. The top three collectors were:
- Soni Dwivedi from Amethi - Collected Rs 3.1 crore
- Mehar Jahan from Rampur - Collected Rs 2.7 crore
- Rajshree Shukla from Barabanki - Collected Rs 2.3 crore
At the district level, Saharanpur, Sultanpur, Meerut, and Amethi emerged as the highest-performing regions, demonstrating widespread participation and effectiveness across Uttar Pradesh.
Transforming Rural Economies Through Women's Empowerment
Officials have hailed this initiative as "a powerful and inspiring example of women-led transformation in rural areas of the state." Beyond mere bill collection, Vidyut Sakhis provide essential electricity-related services to consumers, improving transparency, efficiency, and accountability throughout the power distribution network. Their work at the doorstep has not only recovered substantial arrears but has also strengthened community trust in utility services while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for thousands of women across Uttar Pradesh.
