LightUpIndia

According to the International Energy Agency, worldwide, approximately 1.6 billion people have no access to electricity. In India alone, there are more than 275 million people without electricity and millions more have extremely unreliable access. Power cuts are a way of life in India, at least in parts of the country fortunate enough to regard them as an interruption rather than the norm. Only about half of the rural population is connected to the electricity grid. Electricity is often only available for a couple of hours a day. By one estimate, as many as 100 million students in India do not have access to electricity, and many others face severe power shortages at home. By law, education is compulsory and free for children all over India, but many children do not have access to dependable light (electricity) at home to study. These students have no option but to rely on kerosene lamps or candles that not only adversely affect their eyesight due to insufficient light, but also expose them to noxious fumes. Kerosene lamps cause indoor air pollution, which claim the lives of 1.5 million people each year.