The Ministry of Power celebrates a significant milestone as its flagship Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LED for All (UJALA) program completes 9 years of illuminating homes across India with energy-efficient LED lights. Since its inception on January 5, 2015, the program has made remarkable strides, distributing over 36.78 crore LEDs nationwide.
UJALA stands as the world’s largest zero subsidy domestic lighting initiative, championing energy efficiency while addressing concerns of high electrification costs and emissions. Notably, the program has been instrumental in reducing the retail price of LED bulbs from INR 300-350 to INR 70-80, making energy-saving lighting accessible to all.
The impact of UJALA extends beyond cost savings, with an impressive 47,778 million kWh of energy saved annually and a reduction of 3.86 crore tonnes in CO2 emissions. These achievements underscore the program’s commitment to environmental sustainability and economic prosperity.
Through strategic procurement and transparent e-procurement practices, UJALA has fostered competition and innovation in the domestic lighting industry. This approach has not only driven down costs but also propelled domestic manufacturing of LED bulbs, aligning with the Make in India initiative.
Moreover, UJALA has been lauded for its contribution to consumer awareness, promoting the benefits of energy efficiency and environmental conservation. Its success has attracted attention from premier management institutions like the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) and Harvard Business School, further cementing its status as a transformative model for sustainable development.
In parallel, the Street Lighting National Program (SLNP) complements UJALA’s efforts by promoting energy-efficient LED street lighting across urban and rural areas. With over 1.23 crore LED street lights installed to date, SLNP has achieved substantial energy savings and contributed to a safer and more secure public environment.
As UJALA continues to illuminate homes and streets nationwide, it exemplifies the government’s commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable development. Through initiatives like UJALA and SLNP, India strides towards a brighter, more energy-efficient future for all.
