UJALA Scheme {उजाला योजना} - Objectives, Key Features, Implementation and Focus Areas
The full form of UJALA is Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All. UJALA Scheme was launched by PM Narendra Modi on 1st May 2015 under the Government of India Plan. The Ujala Scheme was established by replacing the Bachat Lamp Yojana which was earlier implemented under the joint intiative of Public Sector Undertaking of the Government of India, Energy Efficiency Services ( EESL ) which falls under the Union Ministry of Power and the Electricity Distribution Company.
Objectives of the UJALA Scheme
UJALA Scheme which is also known as the LED Based Domestic Efficient Lightinging Programme (DELP) aims to promote the efficient usage of electricity by form of savings in consumption and lighting. This scheme is considered as the largest of its type in the world. As per the UJALA scheme, LED bulbs would be distributed by the Electricity Distribution Company at subsidized rates to every grid connected customer with a metered connection.
Key Features
- According to the scheme, net 3 crore LED bulbs will be distributed for a period of 6 years till 2021.
- The scheme will not only reduce the electricity consumption but will also increase the security of energy in the country.
- The DISCOM and EESL will be responsible for effective implementation of the scheme
Implementation
Implementation of the UJALA Scheme has been done successfully considering the investment and the risks involved in its execution. The scheme was implemented as the joint contribution of EESL and DISCOM. Some of the outputs that were put forward by the UJALA Scheme were
- Replacing 200 million ordinary light bulbs by LED bulbs.
- Load reduction to 5000 MW
- To reduce the emissions caused by the greenhouses gases which amount to 79 million tonnes of CO2
Why is the focus on LED bulbs?
The specific objective of UJALA Scheme to focus on the LED bulbs is because the light emitting diodes( LEDs) provide better lumen per square area as compared to normal incandescent bulbs and also consuming only one-tenth of the energy as compared to any ordinary bulb. This scheme also aims in distributing 20W LED tube lights to the consumers which are 50% more energy efficient than the regular 40W tube lights. The only drawback till now for the wide scale adoption of these LED bulbs has been its high cost. The DELP on bill financing scheme focuses on this aspect to overcome this cost barrier as these LED bulbs are highly efficient in the reduction of load, consumer bills, the greenhouse gas emissions and in saving the electricity.
The same model was also implemented in Malaysia consideting the overall efficiency of the program in India.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the official website of this scheme?
The official website of UJALA scheme is ujala.gov.in
Q. Where can I view the quality checks for this scheme?
You can find them on the official website of UJALA scheme.
Q. How do people get the benefits of the Scheme?
The bulbs will be distributed phase wise through special counters setup at designated places and stores in the city. The location of such stores and outlets shall be informed through flyers, posters and advertisements. Consumers can get the same at these outlets and register for the scheme at these outlets.
Q. What are the documents required to get the LED bulbs?
The following documents are required to get the LED bulbs under the UJALA Scheme:
- Photocopy of the latest electricity bill
- A copy of the photo ID proof
- A copy of the residential proof
- Cash advance in case of on-bill financing
Q. What is the cost of the LED bulbs and which type of bulbs are available?
Under the UJALA Scheme, 20 W LED tube lights are available for use. The price for the subsidized bulbs is around Rs.220 compared to the manufacturing price of 400 to 600 Rs.
Q. What is the minimum and maximum number of bulbs that can be procured under this scheme?
According to this scheme, a minimum of 2 bulbs and a maximum of 10 bulbs can be procured under this scheme.
Q. In case the LED bulb bought out turns to be faulty, how do I get new bulb?
The LED bulbs manufactured for the UJALA Scheme are done under strict quality control and has been certified for operation for at least 4-5 years. However, in case of any manufacturing defect, EESL provides free cost of replacement for all LED bulbs for a period of one year.