The Union Minister for New & Renewable Energy and Power has informed about the installation of street lights under Atal Jyoti Yojana (AJAY).

The Phase-I of Atal Jyoti Yojana (AJAY) for installation of solar street lights (SSLs) with partial funding from MPLADS Fund was launched in September 2016 for implementation up to 31.03.2018. Till 31.3.2018, sanctions were issued by respective District Magistrates (DMs) for installation of around 1.45 lakh SSLs by utilising MPLADS Fund under AJAY Phase-I. Within the timelines allowed for installation of SSLs, a total of around 1.35 lakh SSLs could be installed.

The Phase-II of Atal Jyoti Yojana (AJAY) was launched in December 2018 for implementation within a period of one year, which was later extended till 31.3.2021. However, due to outbreak of COVID-19, the Government had suspended MPLADS Fund for two years i.e. for FY 2020-21 and FY 2021-22 and accordingly, the AJAY Phase-II, which was partially funded through MPLADS Fund, was discontinued w.e.f. 01.04.2020 for new sanctions.

Till 31.3.2020, sanctions were issued by respective DMs for installation of around 1.50 lakh solar street lights (SSLs) by utilising MPLADS Fund under AJAY Phase-II. Considering the COVID-19 restrictions and supply chain issues, the installation of sanctioned quantity of SSLs was first extended till 31.12.2021 and thereafter, finally extended till 30.6.2022. Within the extended period, around 1.37 lakh SSLs were reported installed under AJAY Phase-II.

The major reasons reported by EESL, the implementing agency for the scheme, for incomplete installations, include delay in confirmation of sites where the SSLs were to be installed, delay in release of funds from MPLADS Fund, etc.

A proposal, including for providing solar street lights on the similar lines of AJAY, is under consideration of Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.

This information has been given by the Union Minister for New & Renewable Energy and Power Shri R. K. Singh, in a written reply to a question, in Rajya Sabha on December 19, 2023.

***

PIB DELHI | Alok Mishra / Dheep Joy Mampilly

(Release ID: 1988299) Visitor Counter : 1087