Project Bijuli Didi
Mahashakti Foundation with the financial and technical support of Smart Power for Rural Development Foundation India (SPI) took initiatives to establish Model Distribution Zone at ParadeepDivision. TATA POWER INDIA has granted approval to SPI for developing Paradeep Division (PDP) as a Model Distribution Zone (MDZ). The period of the pilot project is July 2019 to July 2020. The objective of this project is to demonstrate a successful model of electricity distribution supply with enhanced efficiency and highest level of customer service. Nearly One Lakh consumers are served by PDP with rural customer mix of greater than 94%. The utility finds it financially unviable to service rural consumers which is due to high degree of techno-commercial losses, high instances of electricity supply interruptions, dilapidated electricity network, lower commercial loads etc. To improve efficiency and enhance customer service, TATA POWER INDIA has initiated the process of appointing micro-franchisees under SEFA Guidelines, comprising of the members of the Women Self Help Groups (WSHGs) selected through the 79 Gram Panchayat Level Federations (GPLFs) in Erasma, Tirtol and Kujanga blocks of Jagatsingpur District for Metering, Billing and Collection services.
Objectives:
Presently, the micro franchisee agreements with GPLFs are being finalized and signed. This activity is being undertaken under the aegis of Odisha Livelihoods Mission (OLM) through the respective Block Level Coordinators (BLCs) in Erasama, Kujanga and Tirtol blocks. Mahashakti Foundation through SPI intends to design and deliver continuous support for building capacity of the WSHGs through a WSHGs Empowerment Program. The program intends to assist the BLCs in design and implementation of a mechanism for selecting the members who will be working on behalf of the micro franchisees, develop the working plan for the members and training of the SHG members to deliver services efficiently. The program will also identify and implement mechanisms to empower the WSHGs through alternative livelihood programs.
Deliverables/Outputs:
For the purpose of delivery of the program,Mahashakti Foundation deployed adequate number of personnel with required skills at block levels to coordinate with BLCs (1 Lead Coordinator + 3 Full Time Block Coordinators) under the guidance of a Team Leader. The following activities have been done till 31st March 2020:
Consultation meetings are being done with GPLF Executive committee, Block administration and District administration Jagatsinghpur to unfold the proposed project. In due consultation with all key stakeholders’ framework for selection of members from WSHGs/GPLFs along with related documents were finalized and as per guideline 92 efficient SHG women members from 51 Gram Panchayats are working as BijuliDidis in Erasama and Tirtol Blocks. Arrangement to conduct written test to select another 56 BijuliDidis for Kujanga is in process.
“Operating Policy” for the GPLF to coordinate the metering, billing and collection process for TATA POWER INDIA by BijuliDidi was prepared and implemented. Training program and modules with delivery – presentation, handbooks, trainers etc. were arranged which in turn enabled the BijuliDidis to collect present and overdue bills from around 28,000 consumers which reduces degree of techno-commercial losses to a good extend. After seeing the success of the models, TATA POWER INDIA is planning to replicate the model in other Divisions. By doing bill collection activities, the BijuliDidis who have never thought of to engage themselves in any regular job are able to earn Rs.1500/- to Rs.8,000/- per month. From the income and incentive, GPLF keeps 10% for need based community development programs. Coming year Mahashakti Foundation has a plan to cater at least 70,000 consumers in the district.