Atal Jyoti Yojana (AJAY)

The Phase-I of Atal Jyoti Yojana (AJAY) for installation of solar street lights (SSLs) with partial funding from MPLADS Fund was launched in September 2016 for implementation up to 31 March, 2018.

Till 31 March, 2018, sanctions were issued by respective District Magistrates (DMs) for installation of around 1.45 lakh SSLs by utilising MPLADS Fund under AJAY Phase-I. Within the timelines allowed for installation of SSLs, a total of around 1.35 lakh SSLs could be installed.

The Phase-II of Atal Jyoti Yojana (AJAY) was launched in December 2018 for implementation within a period of one year, which was later extended till 31 March, 2021. However, due to outbreak of COVID-19, the Government had suspended MPLADS Fund for two years i.e. for FY 2020-21 and FY 2021-22 and accordingly, the AJAY Phase-II, which was partially funded through MPLADS Fund, was discontinued from 1 April, 2020 for new sanctions.

Till 31 March, 2020, sanctions were issued by respective DMs for installation of around 1.50 lakh solar street lights (SSLs) by utilising MPLADS Fund under AJAY Phase-II. Considering the COVID-19 restrictions and supply chain issues, the installation of sanctioned quantity of SSLs was extended till 30 June, 2022. Within the extended period, around 1.37 lakh SSLs were reported installed under AJAY Phase-II.