Integrated Rural Energy Programme (IREP) Introduction - (Including objectives)

Started during the Sixth Plan period in U.P. as centrally sponsored scheme. Block level programme upto 2002-03. 94 blocks covered in Uttar Pradesh. Modified as district level programme in the year 2003-04. Modified programme covers all the rural areas in all the districts excluding urban areas falling within notified municipal limits. Modified IREP is being implemented in 60 districts and proposed to be extended to all the 70 districts of Uttar Pradesh.

Objectives To provide for minimum domestic needs for cooking, heating and lighting purposes to rural people with focus on renewable energy. To provide the most cost effective mix of various energy sources and options for meeting the requirements of sustainable agriculture and rural development with due environmental considerations and focus on renewable energy. To ensure people's participation in the planning and implementation of IREP plans and projects through the involvement of panchayats, voluntary organizations and institutions at the micro level. To develop and strengthen mechanism and coordination arrangements for linking micro level planning and implementation for rural energy with national and state level planning and programmes for energy and economic development.

Financial assistance & Other Benefits

Financing of the programme is shared on 50:50 basis between Central and State Govt. Central Govt. provides Rs. 5 lacs for State Level IREP Cell and Rs. 10 lacs for each District Level IREP cell as CFA.