(a) whether the Union Government has decided to increase the renewable energy capacity to five times in the country and instructed the State Governments to provide for lighting alongside rural roads through solar energy;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) whether any steps have been taken to implement Atal Jyoti Yojana in Bihar and if so, the details thereof including the funds allocated and spent for the purpose?
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR POWER, COAL, NEW & RENEWABLE ENERGY AND MINES (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL)
(a) & (b): Government of India has set a target of 1,75,000 MW of Renewable Energy capacity by 2022. Ministry is also promoting Off-grid decentralised Solar PV applications programme which includes Solar Street Lights in rural areas by providing Central Financial Assistance (CFA).
(c): Atal Jyoti Yojana (AJAY) has been approved by Government for installation of solar street lights in the States where household grid connectivity is less than 50% (as per the 2011 Census), which includes the State of Bihar. The total financial outlay of the scheme is Rs. 499.30 Crore and Rs.81.00 Crore has been released to implementing agency for this purpose.
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