UJALA: 10 Years of Energy-Efficient Lighting
Context
The UJALA scheme, which was launched on 5th January 2015 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marked its 10th anniversary.
- The scheme has redefined domestic lighting by making energy-efficient appliances affordable and accessible while cutting electricity costs and carbon emissions.
Relevance:
GS-02 (Government Policies and Interventions)
About:
- It was initially launched as the Domestic Efficient Lighting Programme (DELP) and was later rebranded as UJALA.
- It is considered the world’s largest zero-subsidy domestic lighting initiative, with more than 36 crore LED bulbs distributed nationwide over a decade.
- Need for UJALA:
- Traditional lighting systems consumed excessive energy, raising electricity bills.
- LEDs consume 90% less energy than incandescent lamps and 50% less than CFLs.
- In 2014, LED bulb prices were Rs 450–500, creating barriers to adoption.
- UJALA offered LED bulbs for Rs 70, tube lights for Rs 220, and energy-efficient fans for Rs 1,110.
- Competitive bidding enabled cost reductions, including maintenance and distribution.
- Economic and Environmental Impact:
- LED bulbs save electricity costs: Rs 4 for 140 hours vs Rs 36 for incandescent lamps.
- Reduced annual energy bills for households.
- Major contributor to India’s carbon footprint reduction goals.
Street Lighting National Programme (SLNP)
- It was launched alongside UJALA in 2015 to replace outdated streetlights with LEDs.
- EESL implemented over 1.34 crore LED streetlights, saving 9,001 MU annually.
- It also created a milestone by reducing CO₂ emissions by 6.2 million tonnes annually.
- Both UJALA and SLNP have set benchmarks for energy conservation globally.
Conclusion
UJALA’s decade-long journey has revolutionised domestic lighting in India, bringing energy-efficient solutions to millions while reducing costs and carbon emissions. Together with the SLNP, it reflects India’s commitment to sustainable development, showing how innovative government programmes can drive economic and environmental transformation.
