Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All (UJALA)

GS 3 – Environment – Schemes

Context: UJALA: 10 Years of Energy-Efficient Lighting

• Launched in 2015, UJALA is a zero-subsidy initiative.
• Also known as the LED-based Domestic Efficient Lighting Programme (DELP), it is the world’s largest domestic lighting initiative.

Objective:
To promote energy efficiency in households by reducing energy consumption, enabling savings, and providing better lighting solutions.

Eligibility:
All domestic households with a metered electricity connection are eligible to avail of LED bulbs under this scheme.

Achievements:

• Over 36.78 crore LED bulbs have been distributed nationwide.
• The retail price of LED bulbs dropped significantly, from ₹300-350 per bulb to ₹70-80 per bulb.
• Contributed to substantial energy savings and reduced annual electricity bills for households.
• Enhanced affordability and accessibility of energy-efficient lighting, improving the quality of life for consumers.
• Supported India’s economic growth by reducing energy costs.
• Boosted the Make in India initiative, with domestic LED bulb production increasing from 1 lakh per month to 40 million per month.