UJALA – Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All

On 1^st May 2015, the Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi, launched the scheme, namely Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All. While launching the Prime Minister specifically described the LED bulb as ‘Prakash Path’ i.e. a way to light. The scheme is also known as the LED-based Domestic Efficient Lighting Programme (i.e. DELP). However, the scheme is more popularized as the UJALA scheme (i.e. short form of Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All). Notably, the UJALA scheme replaced the earlier Bachat Lamp Yojana.

The UJALA Scheme is jointly initiated by –

1. The Government of India’s Public Sector Undertakings;

2. The Union Ministry of Power’s Energy Efficiency Services Limited i.e. EESL; and

3. The Electricity Distribution Company.

Importantly, the UJALA scheme is considered to be the world’s largest program. Let us briefly learn the basics of the scheme in the present article.

Brief objective of the UJALA scheme-

The main objective behind the launching of the UJALA scheme are highlighted hereunder-

1. To create an awareness among the public relating to the importance of the energy efficiency and the use of energy efficiency appliances

2. To promote the efficient use of energy for all that is consumption; lighting and savings.

3. To promote the efficient use of energy also at the residential level.

Reason for placing the importance of LEDs under the UJALA scheme-

The UJALA scheme focuses on the distribution of LEDs mainly because of the following reasons-

1. The LED (i.e. Light Emitting Diode) provide better light output. LED consumes only 1/10^th of the energy as compared to the ordinary bulbs.

2. The UJALA scheme intends to distribute 20W LED tube lights which are 50% more energy efficient than the ordinary 40W tube lights.

3. In spite of being energy efficient, the high cost of LED was the major barrier due to which the common people were not able to purchase the same. Accordingly, the UJALA scheme removes the barrier by offering LED at subsidized rates.

Eligibility as well as documentation under UJALA scheme-

Each and every domestic household which is having a metered connection are eligible to get the LED bulbs under the UJALA scheme.

Notably, such LED bulbs under the UJALA scheme is made available through special counters (i.e., kiosks) which are set up at various designated places in a city.

The benefit under the UJALA scheme is available on submission of the following documents-

Pricing of the UJALA appliances under the UJALA scheme-

The purchase cost of the UJALA appliances under the UJALA scheme is as under-

It is important to note here that the following payment modes are available to the applicant to purchase the LED under the scheme-

1. EMI payment in monthly or bi-monthly instalments; or

2. Upfront payment of the full amount.

Notably, if the LED bulb stops working due to some technical defects, the EESL provides a warranty of one year resulting into free of cost replacement.

Redressal mechanism under UJALA scheme-

Following four ways of redressal mechanism is set up under UJALA scheme-