UJALA Scheme (Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All)

✦Key Features

• 36.87 crore LED bulbs distributed; 72.27 lakh LED tube lights; 23.64 lakh energy-efficient fans
• Annual savings: 46.16 billion kWh electricity; ₹18,464 crore money saved by consumers
• CO2 reduction: 37.78 million tonnes/year — equivalent to planting 3 billion trees
• LED price dropped from ₹350 (2014) to ₹70 (2016) through bulk procurement
• Implemented by Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) under DISCOM partnership
• No direct government subsidy — bulk procurement lowers prices; consumers pay market price (reduced)
• Replaces Bachat Lamp Yojana (2009); UJALA = "light" in Hindi

✓Eligibility Criteria

• The applicant must be a domestic consumer with a valid and functional electricity connection.
• The consumer should be a resident of the service area of the local Power Distribution Company (DISCOM).
• Domestic consumers must provide a metered connection to ensure accurate billing and usage monitoring.
• The scheme is open to all domestic households regardless of their income status to promote mass energy efficiency.

★Benefits

• Provision of high-quality LED bulbs at nearly 40% of the market price through bulk procurement.
• Significant reduction in annual household electricity bills due to lower energy consumption of LED technology.
• Access to energy-efficient LED tube lights and BEE 5-star rated ceiling fans that further enhance savings.
• A three-year free replacement warranty for LED bulbs and tube lights in case of technical failures.
• Contribution to national energy security by reducing the peak power demand across the country.

▶Application Process

• Visit the designated distribution kiosks or local DISCOM offices in the residential area.
• Present the latest electricity bill and a valid government photo identity proof.
• Choose to pay the full upfront cost of the LED bulbs or opt for the On-Bill Financing (OBF) scheme.
• Collect the LED bulbs, tube lights, or BEE 5-star rated fans from the distribution center.
• If the OBF option is chosen, the installments are added to the subsequent monthly or bimonthly electricity bills.

₹ Budget Allocation

2500

Funding Ratio (Centre:State): No government subsidy; implemented via Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) using a market-based model.

Historical Context

Evolved from the 'Bachat Lamp Yojana' (BLY) to address the high energy consumption of incandescent bulbs.

Sub-Schemes

Challenges

• Quality control in the secondary market
• Disposal of old incandescent and CFL bulbs containing mercury
• Sustaining momentum in remote rural areas where distribution costs are higher

Reforms & Recommendations

• Expansion to energy-efficient BLDC fans and air conditioners
• Integration with rooftop solar schemes to maximize savings
• Mandatory recycling programs for e-waste generated from dead LEDs

Performance Statistics

SDG Linkages

Constitutional Backing

Technology Used

Success Stories

Key Takeaways

• World's largest LED distribution program
• Implemented by EESL, a JV of PSUs under the Ministry of Power
• Reduces peak demand and household electricity bills

Convergence Schemes

• Gram Ujala (specifically for rural areas using carbon credits)
• Street Lighting National Programme (SLNP)

Sector Tags