Atal Jyoti Yojana (AJAY): Illuminating Lives with Solar Street Lights

The Atal Jyoti Yojana (AJAY) is a sub-scheme under the off-grid and decentralized solar application scheme of the MNRE. Its primary objective is to provide solar-powered street lights to areas with less than 50% grid connectivity in rural, semi-urban, and urban regions. In this blog lets dig deeper into the details of this impactful program.

Key Features of Atal Jyoti Yojana (AJAY)

Illuminating Dark Regions: AJAY aims to illuminate regions that face inadequate grid connectivity. By installing solar street lights, it brings light to areas that were previously in darkness.

Solar-Powered Street Lights: The scheme focuses on providing solar street lighting systems for public use, demonstration, and replication. These lights operate on clean energy, promoting sustainability and reducing dependence on conventional power sources.

Implementation Agency: The Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) has been entrusted with implementing AJAY. EESL plays a crucial role in ensuring the successful execution of the scheme.

Phases of Implementation

Phase I (September 2016 – March 2018)

States Covered: Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha.

Objective: Install 7 W solar LED street lights in rural, semi-urban, and urban areas with less than 50% grid connectivity.

Locations: Major roads, markets, and public conveniences in remote areas.

Quality of Life Enhancement: The solar lights enhance citizens’ quality of life sustainably.

Phase II (2018-19 and 2019-20)

Expanded Coverage:

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 in states other than those covered in Phase I.

Funding Allocation

The total cost of the scheme is Rs 583 crore.

MNRE provides 75% of the cost of street lights.

The remaining 25% comes from Member of Parliament Local Area Development funds (MPLADS).

Technical Details

Solar LED Street Lights (SSL) with a capacity of 12 W are provided as per MNRE norms.

Estimated cost per light: Rs 25,000.

Current Status

AJAY stands as a beacon of sustainable development, bringing light to the darkest corners of our nation. Through solar energy, it not only brightens streets but also symbolizes hope and progress. Let’s celebrate this remarkable initiative that illuminates lives, one solar street light at a time! 🌞🌿