What is Ujala Yojna? Objectives, Implementation, Eligibility

Haven’t you seen those stalls where they sell bulbs? It is a strange sight to witness. But you will be quite surprised to know that it is a scheme put forth by our Prime Minister. The Ujala program was launched on May 1, 2015, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi under the Government of India. It is also known as the LED-based National Efficiency Lighting Program (DELP) to promote energy efficiency in all homes. The UJALA program is a joint project of the  Union Ministry of Energy, India’s public sector government, and DISCOM’s Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL). The Ujala Yojna, which has been introduced to replace “The Bachat Lamp Yojana,”. “Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL)” has initiated this project in a joint initiative. Ujala Yojna is being implemented by the Electricity Distribution Company and the Union Ministry of Power. In Ujala Yojna, all customers who possess electricity meters can claim their LED bulbs at a decreased price from their electricity department at around 40% of the original cost. They also ensure the free replacement of defective bulbs. 

Objectives of Ujala Yojna

The UJALA program, also referred to as the LED-based Domestic Efficient Lighting Program (DELP), aims to increase the efficient usage of energy efficiency in all aspects including savings, consumption, and lighting. This scheme is considered the world’s largest program. It aims to promote the efficient use of energy at the residence level. Other objectives include increasing customer knowledge of demand aggregation to lower high initial costs, promoting a higher uptake of LED lights for residential use, and increasing the efficacy of using energy-efficient products. According to the Ujala Yojna, every grid-connected customer with a metered connection would receive LED bulbs from the Electricity Distribution Company at subsidized rates.

Need for Ujala Yojna

According to various research studies (ELCOMA, 2013; NITI Aayog, 2012; PwC, 2011), the contribution of lighting to the overall residential electricity use was estimated to be ~ 1827%. According to a PwC survey, Indian homes had an estimated 1 billion points of light in 2011, 46% of which were compact fluorescent light bulbs and 41% of which were tubular lamps. In addition, about 13% of all lighting points contain incandescent bulbs, while LED lamps have only 0.4. The report further estimates that the total power consumption from all these lighting points is about 27% of the total household power consumption, using a uniform usage of 1,580 hours per year at each lighting point. Residential LEDs use about 75% less energy than incandescent lamps and last 25 times longer, but the high cost of LEDs is a challenge for implementing such energy-efficient lighting systems 

Implementation of Ujala Yojna

To make this possible, the government has launched the UJALA program, which provides energy-efficient home lighting systems to everyone at an affordable price. For the easy implementation of the scheme by state-run EESL and to attract consumers, the cost reduction took place from 65 rupees to 310 rupees in the year 2013.  These government-led programs also helped in creating awareness about energy-efficient LED bulbs; this bolstered the domestic LED market’s ability to expand from 1.15 billion LEDs (as of 2020). In addition, the government is actively introducing initiatives to keep moving forward on the path of transforming illumination and energy efficiency in the country.

Eligibility

 According to UJALA YOJNA, all households with meters that charge electricity consumption are entitled to purchase LED lamps from their distribution companies. Consumers can purchase LEDs on EMI (monthly or in installments officially specified on their electricity consumption receipts) or by paying that amount first. The following documents are required to receive the Ujala LED lamp:

1) Copy of electricity bill 

 2) Copy of approved ID: For EMI payment 

 3) Copy of approved ID. : For the first payment 

Some important facts

 • The complete form of UJALA is the affordable LED for All Unnat Jyoti. 

 • UJALA YOJNA was released on May 1, 2015.

 • This program was started under the guidance of the Department of Energy.

 • EnergyEfficient Services Limited (EESL) is the executing agency of UJALA Yojna. 

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi describes the plan as a “Prakash path”.

How do individuals get the advantages of the Ujala Yojna?

The bulbs will be delivered in stages through dedicated counters located across the city. Consumers are told about the location of counters through leaflets, advertisements posters. The life of an LED lamp is 4-5 years. However, in the event of a defect, EESL can replace all LED lamps free of charge for one year.

What are the different ways to sign up for this program?

Ujala LED lights are delivered via a bespoke kiosk in a strategic location in the city. These LED lamps are not commercially available. Distribution counter location information is provided on online web pages where the site is marked for customer service. Ujala is carried out nationwide. 

Conclusion

The Gram Ujala Yojna is a large-scale program that distributes the most affordable LED bulbs to rural communities. This is a new kind of Indian debut program, selling LED lights at designated locations. For Rs 10, this plan will add substance to the country’s global climate policy while also strengthening individual lighting dependence. There will no longer be stories of the students studying under the lamps. No one will lose their eyesight by straining their eyes in low light. Such was the noble initiative of our Indian government and our respected prime minister. Mostly in rural India, it’s a boon to make life easier for older and younger people altogether