Gram Ujala programme

• Recently, Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL)has achieved a remarkable milestone of distributing 50 lakhs of LED bulbs under the Gram Ujala programme.

About

• Under the programme, The bulbs are offered by Convergence Energy Services Ltd (CESL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL).
• CESL is providing high-quality 7-Watt and 12-Watt LED bulbs with 3 years guarantee at a cost of INR 10 per bulb in exchange for working incandescent bulbs.
• Every household can exchange a maximum of 5 bulbs.

Coverage :

• It is being implemented in rural households in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana.

Achievements :

• The distribution has resulted in energy savings of 71,99,68,373.28 units per year with cost savings of 250 crores per year in the rural areas of the aforementioned states.
• The programme is active till March 31, 2022.

Objectives

• To ensure holistic development of the rural ecosystem.

Significance

• It will enable better illumination, at an affordable price, leading to a better standard of life, financial savings, more economic activity, and better safety for rural citizens.
• It removes the price barrier for rural consumers. In addition, the energy savings garnered will reduce a household's energy outlay, enabling higher disposable income and savings.

Unnat Jyoti by Affordable Lighting for All (UJALA) Scheme

• It is a zero-subsidy scheme launched in 2015.
• It is also known as the LED-based Domestic Efficient Lighting Programme (DELP) and is the world’s largest domestic lighting project.
• Aim: To promote the efficient usage of energy for all i.e., its consumption, savings and lighting.
• Eligibility: Every domestic household having a metered connection can get LED bulbs."