New Delhi: The ministry of new and renewable energy (MNRE) on Friday said it will distribute devices like solar cookers and lamps in rural and tribal areas, to provide clean cooking and lighting benefits to the population.

"To provide clean cooking and lighting benefits to rural and tribal population living in forest fringes and protected areas, the MNRE has taken up the programme for intensive distribution of renewable energy devices," the ministry said in a statement.

"Under the programme devices like unnat chulhas, solar cookers, solar lamps, solar home lighting systems etc. will be distributed by using the funds of Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA)," it said.

The scheme has been brought under the definition of forest protection and conservation measures and management of notified forest or protected areas, it added.

The MNRE said the states and union territories have been asked to indicate their renewable energy devices distribution targets for next five years to the union ministry.

(IANS)