UJALA Scheme – Unnat Jeevan By Affordable LEDs And Appliances For All

Efficiency has always been a key metric in judging the performance of any appliance used in daily life. The focus, in this case, is electric bulbs. Incandescent light bulbs or halogen bulbs have been around since forever. However, the problem with halogen bulbs was that they used a large amount of power and were not all that environmentally friendly. 
When LED (Light Emitting Diode) bulbs first came out, they were all the rage, because they offered a brighter, more durable and more environmentally friendly solution to the future. A significant difference in efficiency was found to be that incandescent bulbs, in order to produce the same amount of light as LEDs, used five times as much power. But as usual, something better always comes at a price, and in terms of LEDs, the price was pretty sizable.

What is UJALA Scheme?

Recognising the need for energy efficiency in a country that boasts one of the highest numbers in terms of population, the Government of India introduced the UJALA (Unnat Jeevan by Affordable LEDs and Appliances for All) Scheme in 2015, so that every household hosts LED-powered appliances. This scheme was of utmost importance to enable the country’s broad base of price-sensitive customers to buy LEDs by making them available at affordable rates. Such is the belief in the efficiency of the LEDs that it has been hailed as the “Prakash Path” which means “way to light”.

About the UJALA Scheme

• The UJALA Scheme is being implemented by the Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), a joint venture of Public Sector Undertakings under the Ministry of Power.
• It is the largest domestic lighting project in the world.
• It was first introduced as the DELP (Domestic Efficient Lighting Program), then relaunched as UJALA.

Objective Of The UJALA Scheme

• To set up a phase-wise distribution of LEDs all over the country.
• To promote awareness among the general public regarding the importance of energy efficiency.
• To promote the efficient use of energy at a residential level all over India.
• To bring about the message of how energy efficiency impacts the preservation of the environment in the long run.

Why Choose LED Bulbs Over Incandescent/Halogen Bulbs?

LEDs are far superior in comparison with incandescent bulbs due to the following reasons:-

• The lifespan of an incandescent bulb is approximately 1,200 hours, whereas the LEDs boast a much higher sense of durability offering 50,000-1,00,000 hours.
• LEDs utilize around 75% lesser energy than incandescent lights.
• LEDs operate at a significantly lower temperature as compared to the super-heated up incandescent light bulbs since they turn energy into light. In contrast, incandescent bulbs use heat to convert into light.

What Does The UJALA Scheme Offer To Customers?

• 9W LED bulbs at an affordable cost of Rs. 70/-
• 20W energy-efficient LED tube light at Rs. 220/-
• BEE 5-star ceiling fans at Rs. 1,110/-

(All rates are inclusive of GST) 
Where the bulb stops working due to technical defects, the EESL offers a warranty of one year with free-of-cost replacements.

Eligibility and Documentation

Every domestic household is eligible to obtain the benefits of the UJALA Scheme as long as they have a metered connection from their respective Electricity Distribution Company. Special counters/kiosks will be set up in the city at certain designated areas to facilitate the distribution of the LEDs under this scheme. The location details of these special counters/kiosks can be obtained from the website www.ujala.gov.in for the convenience of the customers. 
The following documents are to be submitted in order to obtain the benefits under the UJALA Scheme:-

• Copy of the latest electricity bill.
• Copy of proof of identity.
• Copy of proof of residence.

The payment can be made in EMIs or upfront in full; there is a choice offered regarding the same.

Registering of Complaints

• Email

An email may be sent to the following id – info@eesl.co.in. The email must contain all relevant details regarding the complaint as well the contact details of the customer.

• Twitter

Keeping up with modern technology, the option of tweeting your complaint has also been made available. The tweets may be addressed to the handle – @EESL_India

• Website

On the official website www.ujala.gov.in, there is an option bearing the name “Register Your Complaint”, where the complaints may be registered.

• Toll-free Helpline Number

The number is easily accessible with a simple search on the web. However, the UJALA LED bulb box also contains the toll-free number corresponding to the manufacturer. With regard to the replacement of the bulbs with technical flaws or the requirement of new bulbs, this helpline number can be contacted, and they will guide the customers based on their needs.