Bengaluru: The Union government launched the Gram UJALA programme in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. It was launched by Union minister of state for power and new and renewable energy, RK Singh. 

What this means is that high-quality LED bulbs will be distributed, at an affordable cost of ten rupees per bulb in rural areas of Varanasi.

Swarajya notes that in phase one of Gram UJALA programme, 1.5 crore LED bulbs will be distributed which will have a significant impact on India’s climate change action with energy savings of 2,025 million kWh/year and carbon reductions of 1.65 million tonnes per year.

The other significant uses of this programme: 

1.    It will help better illumination at a price of just Rs 10 per bulb. Furthermore, this ensures a better standard of living. 
2.    This also helps in saving more. It also increases safety and more economic activity. 

Minister R K Singh said, “India is leading in energy transition as well as energy efficiency. This scheme is designed specifically for rural homes keeping affordability in mind and it will also result in energy savings as a 12-watt LED bulb gives equivalent light as a 100-watt incandescent bulb”.

The Minister further lauded Energy Efficiency Services Limited’s efforts in implementing the UJALA scheme under which 36 crores LED bulbs have been distributed and 1.15 crore streetlights have been replaced with LED lights across the country resulting in energy savings of thousands of megawatts.

Under the programme, seven watt and 12-Watt LED bulbs with three years warranty will be given to rural consumers against submission of working incandescent bulbs. These rural households will also have meters installed in their houses to monitor the number of hours of usage.

The scheme has crossed 6,150 distribution mark in Arrah, Bihar within 2 days of launch. Presently, it will be implemented only in villages of the five districts where consumers can exchange a maximum of five LED bulbs, Swarajya notes.