What is Ujala Yojna?
UJALA stands for Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All. On May 1, 2015, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced the UJALA program. The LED bulb was described by the Prime Minister as the “Prakash Path”/ “Way to Light”. The Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) of the Union Ministry of Power, the Electricity Distribution Company, and the Public Sector Undertakings of the Government of India collaborated on the Ujala Scheme, which superseded the Bachat Lamp Yojana.
Features of the UJALA Scheme:
- UJALA – Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All promotes energy-efficient lighting and raises awareness of using equipment that uses less energy while preserving the environment.
- The Electricity Distribution Company and Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) is in charge of carrying it out.
- Every grid-connected user will receive LED bulbs as part of this plan for 40% off the market price.
- The EESl is a partnership between four state-owned electricity companies that are part of the Ministry of Power. These electricity companies are Power Grid Corporation, REC, PFC, and NTPC.
- The Ujala system is being voluntarily adopted by state governments. As of November 18, 2016, there are 26 states and 6 union territories where the Ujala plan is still operating. The three states that have not yet embraced the idea are Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, and Manipur.
Objectives of the UJALA Scheme:
- By 2019, the government hopes to have all 77 crore inefficient bulbs replaced with LED bulbs nationwide.
- The replacement will lead to a 20,000 MW load reduction and an annual reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of 80 million tonnes.
- To cut 79 million tonnes of carbon dioxide worth of greenhouse gas emissions.
- 200 million regular light bulbs will be replaced by LED bulbs.
- Reduction in the load of 5000 MW.
Eligibility Criteria of the UJALA Scheme:
- Any home with a metered power connection from the local Electricity DISCOM qualifies as a beneficiary.
- The applicant only needs to present a government-issued identity, such as an Aadhaar card, Voter ID, or passport, when making advance payment.
- Additionally, you must include a copy of the most current electricity bill when making an EMI payment.
Benefits of the UJALA Scheme:
- The cost of buying the LED is lower for consumers (40 percent lesser than the market price).
- The bulbs are also offered by EMI.
- Emissions of greenhouse gases will be decreased.
- Both energy and electricity bills can be reduced.
- Every LED comes with a three-year warranty from EESL.
- There is no need for a government subsidy because the EESL covered the whole cost of purchasing the LEDs, and the DISCOMs will pay back the remaining balance over five years using the money they save on energy bills.
How are LEDs better than Normal Bulbs?
The following are the reasons why LEDs are better than normal bulbs.
- A typical bulb lasts for roughly 1,200 hours, whereas the lifespan of an LED might be anywhere between 50,000 and 100,000 hours.
- LEDs consume roughly 75% less energy than normal bulbs.
- LEDs operate at a significantly lower temperature than normal light bulbs because they transform energy into light. On the other hand, normal bulbs convert heat into light.
Achievements of the UJALA Scheme:
- The retail cost of LED (Light-Emitting Diode) bulbs was successfully lowered by UJALA from INR 300–350 per bulb to INR 70–80 per bulb.
- The scheme not only enables everyone to access affordable energy but also produces significant energy savings.
- Energy savings as of today total 47,778 million kWh annually.
- Furthermore, CO2 emissions have decreased by 3,86 crore tonnes.
- It gives the household lighting industry a boost. As local production of LED lights has expanded from 1 lakh per month to 40 million per month, it promotes “Make in India.”
Related Frequently Asked Questions and Answers:
1Q. What do you Mean by the UJALA Scheme?
Ans: The LED-based Domestic Efficient Lighting Program (DELP), also known as the UJALA (Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All) scheme, was launched by the Indian government in May 2015 to encourage energy efficiency in all homes.
2Q. What is the Aim of the UJALA Scheme?
Ans: The primary goals are to encourage efficient lighting, raise knowledge of adopting efficient tools to cut down on electricity costs, and protect the environment.
3Q. How to get LED from the UJALA Scheme?
Ans: Under the UJALA Scheme, LED bulbs are available to each home family with a metered connection from their respective Electricity Distribution Company. The customer can either pay in full upfront or on EMI (monthly or biweekly installments in the electricity bill) to purchase the LED.
4Q. Which Union Ministry implements the UJALA Program?
Ans: Gram Ujala scheme is a flagship scheme of the Union Ministry of Power.
5Q. What are the Eligibility Criteria for the UJALA Scheme?
Ans: Any home with a metered power connection from the local Electricity DISCOM qualifies as a beneficiary. The applicant only needs to present a government-issued identity, such as an Aadhaar card, Voter ID, or passport, when making advance payment. Additionally, you must include a copy of the most current electricity bill when making an EMI payment.