The government of India’s Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All (UJALA) scheme seems to be doing great. In the last 75 days under the UJALA scheme government has distributed 19 lakh LED bulbs in Chhattisgarh.
According to an official spokesperson, Chhattisgarh is the only state where three energy efficient LED bulbs are given free to below poverty line (BPL) customers and the UJALA wants to distribute close to 1.5 crores LED bulbs in the state in the coming months.
Under the scheme, consumers can purchase up to ten 9W LED bulbs at an upfront cost of Rs 85 each, against a market price of Rs 300 to 350. Under the UJALA scheme, BPL consumers can also avail up to five LED bulbs with an upfront payment of Rs 85 each.
Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company Limited (CSPDCL) managing director Ankit Anand said, “The project is being carried out with Energy Efficiency Services Limited, a joint venture of leading PSUs under the administration of ministry of power, Government of India. Usage of LED bulbs brings down power bills, which roughly amounts of Rs 160 per year After complete distribution of LED lamps in the state, it will save Rs 300 crore annually in the state.”
By Atanu Kumar Das