Article Title: Atal Jyoti Yojana
17-03-2023
Polity & Governance Prelims Plus
Why is in news? ATAL JYOTI YOJANA – 2.72 Lakh Solar Street Lights installed – Union Power & NRE Minister Shri R. K. Singh
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) launched the Atal Jyoti Yojana (AJAY) to illuminate dark regions through establishment of solar street lights.
It is a sub scheme under off –grid and decentralized solar application scheme of Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Govt. of India.
The Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) has been entrusted to implement the scheme.
Under AJAY, Solar LED Lights are being installed in rural, semi-urban and urban areas which don,t enjoy adequate coverage of power.
The Phase I was implemented during September 2016- March 2018. The rural, semi-urban and urban areas that face less than 50% grid connectivity in Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha will be illuminated with 7 W solar LED street lights. These solar lights were installed on major roads, markets and public conveniences in remote areas to sustainably enhance the citizens’ quality of life.
The Phase II is being implemented during 2018-19 and 2019-20. States covered during Phase I - Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha, Hilly states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, North-eastern states including Sikkim, Islands of Andaman Nicobar and Lakshadweep .Parliamentary constituencies covering 48 Aspirational districts of states other than those covered above.
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy will provide 75% of the cost of street lights and remaining 25% will come from Member of Parliament Local Area Development funds (MPLADS).
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