Gram Ujala Scheme

State-run EESL arm Convergence Energy Services Ltd (CESL) launched the Gram Ujala Scheme under which high quality energy efficient LED bulbs will be given for Rs 10 per piece in certain villages of five states in the first phase.

• The Gram Ujala programme was launched by Power & New and Renewable Energy Minister  in Bihar.

First phase:

• In the first phase of this programme, 15 million LED bulbs will be distributed across villages of Aarah (Bihar), Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh), Vijaywada (Andhra Pradesh), Nagpur (Maharashtra), and villages in western Gujarat.
• The programme will be financed entirely through carbon credits and will be the first such programme in India.

Gram Ujala programme:

• Under the programme, 7 watt and 12-watt LED bulbs with three years of warranty will be given to rural consumers on submission of working incandescent bulbs.
• The Gram Ujala programme will be implemented in villages of the five districts only and consumers can exchange a maximum of five LED bulbs. These rural households will also have metres installed in their houses to account for usage.The programme will have a significant impact on India’s climate change action energy savings of 2025 million KWh/year and CO2 reductions of 1.65 million tonnes CO2/year.It will also enable better illumination, at an affordable price. This will usher in a better standard of life, financial savings, more economic activity, and better safety for rural citizens.
• 36 crores LED bulbs have been distributed as well as 1.15 crores street lights have been replaced with the LED lights all over the country. The step resulted in energy savings of thousands of megawatts.
• Under the Shine Program of Activities, carbon credits will be prepared. There will be an option for verifying under the Voluntary Carbon Standard which will depend on the need of the buyers.

Benefit:

• Fight against climate change 
• Increasing energy efficiency
• A better standard of life
• Financial savings
• Better safety for the citizens in rural areas

Conclusion:

The Gram Ujala program has been designed to support widespread distribution by removing the chief barrier for rural consumers.

In addition, the energy savings garnered will reduce household’s energy outlay, enabling higher disposable income and savings.