(a) whether the Government proposes to provide street lights based on solar energy
at public places in major cities in view of power shortage in the country and to involve
local civic bodies and private investors in the endeavour;
(b) if so, the details thereof, State/UT-wise including Chhattisgarh and if not, the
reasons therefor;
(c) whether the Union Government has released any grants to State/UT Governments for
the purpose; and
(d) if so, the details thereof, State/UT-wise?
MINISTER FOR NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY (DR. FAROOQ ABDULLAH)
(a)&(b):Under the Off-grid and Decentralized Solar Applications Scheme of Jawaharlal
Nehru National Solar Mission the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy is providing a
subsidy of 30% of the cost of the system limited to Rs. 81 per Wp in the country
including Chhattisgarh. In special category States a subsidy of 90% of the cost of
solar street lights limited to Rs. 243 per Wp is provided for installation of street
lights by Central and States Ministries, Departments and their organizations,
State Nodal Agencies and Local Bodies.
(c)&(d):During 2012-13, the Ministry has sanctioned 86,199 solar street lights in
Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tamil Nadu and
Uttar Pradesh and has released Rs. 5.70 crores for Manipur (Rs. 1 crore), Nagaland
(Rs. 1 crore) and Uttar Pradesh (Rs. 3.70 crores) so far during the current financial
year.