Question : Closure of AJAY

(a) whether the Government has launched Street-Lighting National Programme (SLNP) and discontinued Atal Jyoti Yojana (AJAY) since 1st April, 2020 which was successfully being implemented earlier;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons for discontinuing the said Yojana;
(c) the quantum of funds spent by the Government on the said Yojana in the country, State-wise;
(d) the reasons for not following the orders by Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) given to it from MPLAD in phase-II under the said Yojana;
(e) whether the Government proposes to extend the AJAY;
(f) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and
(g) whether work related to street-lighting is already being carried out under the said yojana and if so, the details thereof?

THE MINISTER OF NEW & RENEWABLE ENERGY AND POWER
(SHRI R.K. SINGH)

(a) to (c) Street Light National program (SLNP) was launched by the Government in January 2015 to replace conventional street lights with smart and energy efficient LED street lights in the municipal sector across the country. Atal Jyoti Yojana (AJAY) Phase-II which provides for installation of solar street lights in remote, rural and semi-urban areas, was launched in December, 2018.

Due to outbreak of COVID-19, the Government had decided not to operate Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) for two years i.e. for FY 2020-21 and FY 2021-22. As AJAY Phase-II Scheme was partially funded through MPLADS, the Scheme was also closed w.e.f. 01.04.2020 for new sanctions.

Till date, over Rs. 208 crore has been spent under the Scheme. State-wise details of funds spent is placed at Annexure.

(d) to (g) As the Scheme was closed for new sanctions w.e.f. 01.04.2020, no new sanctions for installation of solar street lights be issued by EESL after this date. However, out of 1.5 lakh solar street lights sanctioned till 31.3.2020, 1.27 lakh lights have been reported installed till 28.2.2022.

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