ATAL JYOTI YOJNA (AJAY)

A sub scheme of Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)

Background

Government of India is committed to providing quality & reliable power supply at reasonable prices
through its policies and programmes. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has launched
Atal Jyoti Yojna, under which Solar LED Street Lights are installed in rural, semi-urban
and urban areas lacking adequate power coverage.

The scheme was executed across Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand and Odisha in AJAY Phase-I
and expanded to several more states under AJAY Phase-II by March 2018.
This has ensured ample lighting in roads, markets and public places, enhancing safety and security.

Objectives

• Installation of Solar LED Street Lights in areas with inadequate access to electricity
• Lighting up roads, bus stops, marketplaces, intersections in remote areas
• Ensuring safe, bright environment for enhanced public security

States under AJAY-II

Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Lakshadweep, J&K, Jharkhand,
Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh,
Uttarakhand, West Bengal

Project Cost

• Total Project Cost: ~INR 1344 crore
• Funding: 75% by MNRE, 25% by MPLADS / Panchayat / Municipality / ULB funds
• Project Tenure (AJAY-I): September 2016 – March 2018

Implementing Agency

Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) has been appointed as the implementing agency by MNRE.
Established in 2009, EESL is a JV of 4 PSUs of Ministry of Power, and also acts as the implementation arm
of Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE).
Objective: To lead market transformation initiatives under the National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency (NMEEE).
More details: www.eeslindia.org

Key Benefits

1. Improved Access to Lighting: Solar LED Street Lights in underserved areas
2. Enhanced Safety and Security: Safer streets for women, children & elderly
3. Reliable Renewable Energy Source: Promotes clean, sustainable solar power
4. Government Policy Support: Aligns with commitment to affordable, reliable electricity
5. Focused Regional Development: Implementation in power-deficient states

Business Model

EESL adopts an upfront business model, procuring, supplying and installing Solar Street Lights.
The cost is funded by MNRE grants and beneficiary contributions (MPLADs).
No financial burden on end-users. EESL manages installation & maintenance for 5 years.

Point of Contact

Name: Shri Jaspal Singh Aujla
Designation: Chief General Manager (Technical)
Post: Head-AJAY