💡 What Is the PM UJALA Scheme?

The UJALA Scheme (Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All) is a government initiative to make energy‑efficient LED lighting affordable and accessible to households across India. It helps replace old, high‑energy bulbs with LED bulbs that use much less electricity and last significantly longer.

Under this scheme, LED bulbs are supplied at much lower prices than market rates — in some cases at Rs. 70 – Rs. 95 per bulb instead of ₹300 – ₹350 or more.

🏠 Why You Should Get UJALA LED Bulbs

✔️ Save on electricity bills: LED bulbs use up to 75 % less energy than incandescent bulbs and last up to 25× longer, which cuts your monthly power cost.
✔️ Affordable pricing: LEDs are sold at subsidized prices well below retail market rates.
✔️ Environmentally friendly: Lower electricity usage means reduced carbon emissions.
✔️ Warranty support: Many UJALA bulbs come with free replacement if they fail due to manufacturing defects.

🛒 How to Get Affordable LED Bulbs Under UJALA

1. Check Your Eligibility

Any household with a metered electricity connection from a recognized DISCOM (electricity provider) can participate.

2. Visit an Official UJALA Distribution Centre

Government‑appointed distribution points, kiosks, or counters of your local electricity provider will list UJALA LED bulbs. You may also find them at selected weekly markets or desks at electricity bill counters.

Tip: The scheme’s official website — ujala.gov.in — has details of centres in your area.

3. Bring These Documents

When you go to get LED bulbs, you’ll typically need:
✔️ Government photo ID (like Aadhaar, voter ID, or passport)
✔️ Copy of your latest electricity bill
✔️ Passport‑data-size photos (if required)

Make sure the name and address on your ID match your electricity bill.

4. Choose Your Payment Option

You can usually pay for LED bulbs in one of these ways:

• Upfront payment: Pay the full subsidized price when you collect the bulbs.
• On‑bill financing (EMI): Pay a small amount upfront and the balance in small instalments through your electricity bill over a few months.

For example:

• 9 W LED bulb ~ ₹70–95
• 12 W LED tube light ~ ₹220
  Prices vary by region and scheme specifics.

You can purchase multiple bulbs in one go (often up to 8–10 per household) depending on policy and availability.

5. Collect Your LED Bulbs

Once you’ve submitted documents and made the payment, you can collect your LED bulbs immediately from the distribution centre.

💡 Check bulbs before leaving — ensure none are damaged and match the wattage you requested.

💰 How UJALA Helps You Reduce electricity Bills

✔ LED bulbs are more efficient: They use far less power for the same brightness compared to old incandescent or CFL bulbs, leading to significant monthly savings.
✔ Lower electricity use: Replacing multiple old bulbs can reduce your household’s lighting energy consumption by up to over a quarter.
✔ Long lifespan: LEDs last much longer, so you save by not buying replacements frequently.

Results:
Under the UJALA scheme, over 36 crore LED bulbs have been distributed nationwide, leading to annual savings of nearly ₹20,000 crore in electricity bills.

📌 Quick Checklist Before You Go

✔ Latest electricity bill in hand
✔ Government ID
✔ Enough money for payment or EMI authorization
✔ Questions written down (e.g., warranty, billing instalments)

📝 Final Tip

Make it a habit to replace all old bulbs in your home with LEDs — even those you buy outside UJALA — since LEDs are far more energy‑efficient and cost‑saving in the long term.

 

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.