Raipur: For the first time since Independence in 1947, residents of Jokapath village in Chhattisgarh will lit up with electricity.

After a long wait of 71 years, Jokapath villager recieved electricity on Saturday.

The village, surrounded by mountains and forests, is a part of Balrampur district.

“We are very happy now that we finally have electricity in our village, now our children can study well and progress in life,” said the sarpanch of Jokapath village.

MS Markam, CEO of Janpad, confirned the development.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had launched the Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana “Saubhagya” electricity scheme to electrify all rural households across India by 31st March, 2019.