UJALA scheme was launched by PM Narendra Modi on 1st May 2015 under the government of India. The Ujala Scheme was established by replacing the Bachat Lamp Yojana is a joint initiative of Public Sector Undertaking of the Government of India, Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) under the Union Ministry of Power and the Electricity Distribution Company.
What is UJALA?
The full form of UJALA is Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All.
The UJALA scheme is an important topic for the IAS Exam.
The candidates can read other related information useful for government exams from the links below:
| UDAY | Standup India |
| Digital India | Make in India |
| Startup India | Solar Charkha Mission |
Brief facts of UJALA
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Important facts of UJALA for UPSC Prelims |
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| What is the full form of UJALA? | Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All |
| When was the scheme launched? | 1st May 2015 |
| Under which Government Ministry, the scheme was launched? | Ministry of Power |
| How is the LED bulb described by the Prime Minister? | “Prakash Path” – “way to light” |
| Who is the implementing agency of this scheme? | Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) |
| Enhance your exam preparations by visiting the UPSC Previous Year Question Papers page now!!
The following links given below will also be of immense help in strengthening the candidate’s exam preparation: |
Objectives of UJALA Scheme
- The UJALA scheme also known as the LED-based Domestic Efficient Lighting Programme (DELP) aims to promote the efficient usage of energy for all i.e., its consumption, savings and lighting. This scheme is considered the world’s largest program.
- Aims to promote efficient use of energy at the residential level.
- Enhance the awareness of consumers about the efficacy of using energy-efficient appliances and aggregating demand to reduce the high initial costs, thus facilitating higher uptake of LED lights by residential users.
- According to 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.
Implementation of UJALA scheme
Implementation of the UJALA scheme was done successfully in terms of investment and risk factors. The scheme was implemented as a 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 of 5000 MW.
- To reduce the emissions caused by greenhouse gases by 79 million tonnes of carbon dioxide.
Overall Targets
UJALA LED bulbs:
- Overall target of a number of LED lights to be replaced in 3 years – 770 million
- Expected annual energy savings – 105 bn KWH
- Expected reduction of peak load – 20,000 MW
- Annual estimated greenhouse gas emission reductions – 79 million tonnes of CO2
Candidates should have proper knowledge about all the government schemes as they cover an important part of the UPSC syllabus.
Why LED bulbs?
The UJALA scheme focuses on the distribution of LED bulbs because the light-emitting diode (LEDs) provide better light output by 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. But, the high cost of these LEDs has been a barrier to the adoption of such efficient lighting systems. The DELP on-bill financing scheme proposes 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.
UJALA Scheme in Malacca, Malaysia
After the successful implementation of UJALA scheme in India, this model was also implemented in Malacca, Malaysia on 6th September 2017. The UJALA scheme was launched by the then Chief Minister of Melaka for the benefits of people of that region. The major focus area of this scheme was the reduction in the consumption of electricity to decrease the burden on the consumers. It also focused on the preservation of the environment at a global level.
As per the UJALA scheme, each household in Malacca will be provided with 10 high-quality 9-watt LED bulbs at a cost of RM 10.
To know more about other government schemes, refer to the linked article.
UJALA Scheme Facts for UPSC Exam
How do people get the benefits of the Scheme?
The bulbs will be distributed phase-wise through special counters set up at designated places in the city. The location of counters is informed through leaflets, posters, advertisements for the consumers.
What are the documents required to get the LED bulbs?
The documents needed to get the LED Bulbs are:
- Photocopy of the latest electricity bill
- A copy of photo ID proof
- A copy of residential proof
- Cash advance in case of on-bill financing
How to address the issue of faulty LED bulbs?
The LED bulbs have 4-5 years of life. However, in case of any defect, EESL provides free of cost replacement for all LED bulbs for one year.
Candidates should follow the latest developments in Current Affairs related to other government schemes for their UPSC 2023 preparation.
UJALA Scheme- UPSC Notes:- Download PDF Here
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