Gram Ujala Scheme

On March 24, 2021, The Power and Renewable Energy Minister Mr. R.K. Singh launched ‘Gram Ujala Scheme’ in Varanasi. This scheme is launched to provide energy efficient LED bulbs in the rural areas and villages just at Rs. 10/-. Under this scheme 7-watt and 12-watt LED bulbs will be distributed to the beneficiaries as an alternative to the incandescent bulbs. Incandescent bulbs would be submitted back to the authorities. The LED bulbs under this scheme would be distributed by Convergence Energy Services Limited a wholly owned subsidiary of Energy Efficiency Services Limited. This scheme would be financed through carbon credits entirely under the United Nations Clean Development Mechanism. This scheme will play a crucial role in energy saving and efficiency.

Overview:

List of scheme lunched by Central Government

Objectives and Benefits:

• This scheme aims to provide viable and safer power solution to the people belonging to rural and village areas
• Under the scheme, energy efficient LED bulbs are provided to the beneficiaries as an alternative to the CFL and incandescent bulbs
• LED bulbs provided would last for a longer time as well as save electricity
• It will be provided at an affordable price of Rs. 10/- only
• These bulbs will provide better illumination and promote safety of the user
• This scheme tends to increase employment opportunities for the rural youth
• It will enable energy saving and efficiency thereby promoting safer environment for the rural people

Key Points:

• Central government has come up with ‘Gram Ujala’ scheme for the rural and village people mainly to provide them with safer and energy efficient LED bulbs at subsidised rates
• It is launched on March 24, 2021 by Power and Renewable Energy Minister, Mr. R.K. Singh
• Under the scheme 7-watt and 12-watt LED bulbs will be provided to each beneficiary at an affordable price of Rs. 10/- each
• The CFL and incandescent bulbs used by the beneficiary will be taken back and LED bulbs will be provided as an alternative option to the same
• LED bulbs will ensure safety of the user avoiding the risks of fire
• These bulbs will provide better illumination and can be used for a longer time
• It will contribute to saving electricity thereby increasing energy efficiency
• Under this scheme, the LED bulbs will be distributed by Convergence Energy Services Limited, which is wholly owned subsidiary of Energy Efficiency Services Limited
• This scheme will be entirely financed through carbon credits under the United Nations’ Clean Development Mechanism-CDM
• In the first phase of the scheme about 1.5 crore LED bulbs will be distributed which will have a significant impact on climate change action energy savings of 2025 million kWh/year and CO2 reductions of 1.65 million T CO2 per year.
• Currently the scheme will function in 5 districts wherein the beneficiaries will be able to exchange about 5 LED bulbs and then eventually it will be extended to entire country
• Meters will also be installed in the houses of the beneficiaries to keep a check on the hours of usage
• This scheme will also tend to increase employment opportunities
• It will help in energy saving and increased energy efficiency
• It will contribute in climate change mitigation thereby protecting the environment