RGCVY a failed scheme in Bihar, says Greenpeace

People have been left disheartened, marginalised and yet again without electricity, reveals Greenpeace’s social audit of Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana (RGGVY) conducted in Madhubani and Saran districts of Bihar.

At a press conference in Patna on May 7, 2011, Greenpeace members alleged that there were no government representatives or representatives from the implementing agencies to listen to people at the public hearing conducted by Greenpeace in Saran and Madhubani.

“We invited all concerned departments and agencies of the Union and Bihar government to learn about loop-holes in RGGVY. The public hearing was the perfect platform for authorities to witness and understand the real problems of the people, hear their views on the scheme and incorporate the learnings to make a real difference on the ground with regards to rural electrification,” said Arpana Udupa, campaigner, Greenpeace India.

“The learning from social audit will help government of Bihar to formulate its position on RGGVY to make it stronger in 12th five year plan,” added Arpana Udupa.

The social audit was conducted between 30th March and 5th May in six villages of Madhubani and nine vil-lages of Saran district. Villages were randomly selected and based on the data provided by the government. Social audit teams, including RTI activists, went from door to door asking residents about the implementation of the scheme.

Photo: Aftab Alam Siddiqui