Context

• The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) launched the Atal Jyoti Yojana (AJAY) to illuminate dark regions across five states through solar power.
• It is a sub scheme under off –grid and decentralized solar application scheme of Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Govt. of India.

Implementation agency

• Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) has been entrusted to implement this path-breaking initiative in a mission mode by March 31, 2018.

States covered

• 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 solar LED street lights.
• These solar lights will be installed on major roads, markets, and public conveniences in remote areas to sustainably enhance the citizens’ quality of life.

Funding allocation

• The total cost of the scheme is Rs 499.30 crore. MNRE will provide 75% of the cost of street lights and remaining 25% will come from Member of Parliament Local Area Development funds (MPLADS), Panchayat funds or Municipalities and other Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) Funds.

Source:Vikaspedia