Modified Integrated Rural Energy Programme [IREP]

Overview
Inregrated Rural Energy Programme (IREP) was conceptualised during the Sixth Five Year Plan and launched as Centrally Sponsored Scheme in the Seventh Plan. IREP was transferred in 1994-95 from the Planning Commission to MNRE.

Objectives of the programme

• To provide for minimum domestic energy needs for cooking, heating, and lighting purposes to rural people in selected village clusters in each District, 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 organisations and institutions at the micro level; and
• To develop and strengthen mechanisms 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 so as to ensure regular and planned flow of energy inputs for meeting the requirements of various end users in IREP Districts.

Programme coverage
The programme covers all the rural areas in all districts, excluding urban areas falling within notified municipal limits.

Source : Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, GOI (www.mnes.nic.in)