UJALA Scheme India (Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All) is the largest LED distribution program in the world, which was launched in January 2015. It was initiated by Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) in the Ministry of Power to substitute inefficient incandescent bulbs with cheap LEDs in Indian households. With the release of LEDs, the UJALA Scheme in India enabled enormous energy saving and decreased household electricity invoices and, consequently, significantly contributed to the sustainable energy transition in the country.

Need & Objectives of the UJALA Scheme in India

Incandescent bulbs or CFLs were the most commonly used bulbs in most homes in India before the UJALA Scheme in India, and consumed too much electricity, lasting way less. LEDs consume 75 percent less energy and have up to 25 times longer life spans. This was the primary goal of the scheme, which was to cut electricity demand in India in the area of lighting, decrease the amount of power households pay, reduce carbon emissions, and establish a working model of scale energy efficiency. UJALA Scheme India was in line with climate objectives in India and contributed to better energy access for millions.
✅ Before the UJALA Scheme in India, homes mainly used inefficient incandescent and CFL bulbs.
✅ LEDs are 75% more energy-efficient and last up to 25 times longer.
✅ Reduce electricity consumption across millions of households.
✅ Lower carbon emissions significantly to meet climate targets.
✅ Cut lighting costs to improve affordability and quality of life.

Implementation & Distribution under the UJALA Scheme in India

UJALA Scheme India transformed the market of LED lights by the innovative bulk purchase approach of EESL, which drastically decreased the prices of LED lights that were initially 450 to 500 Indian rupees, to about 70 Indian rupees. The distribution was under state power DISCOMs, and made it convenient to pay like pay-on-bill or purchase in advance at kiosks. The plan established a wide supply of high-quality LEDs in particularly in rural and semi-urban regions, making citizens take advantage of an energy-efficient light source without exceedingly expensive costs and complex processes.
✅ The UJALA Scheme in India used bulk procurement by EESL to slash LED prices.
✅ LED bulb prices dropped from ₹450–500 to ₹70.
✅ Distribution through DISCOMs and kiosks across states.
✅ Payment options included pay-on-bill or upfront purchase.
✅ Focus on reaching both urban and rural consumers.

Energy & Environmental Impact of the UJALA Scheme in India

UJALA Scheme success in India is outstanding: by 2024, more than 36.87 crore LED lights have been distributed across the country, saving 47,883 million kWh per year in terms of energy and 19153 crore of money. The carbon dioxide emission was minimized by about 3.87 crore tonnes annually. Moreover, with the usage of the Street Lighting National Programme (SLNP), 1.34 crore LED streetlights were distributed, saving 9,001 million kWh and reducing CO2 emissions even further, which demonstrates the environmental worth of UJALA in its humongous proportions.
✅ Over 36.87 crore LED bulbs distributed as of 2024.
✅ Annual energy savings of ~47,883 million kWh nationwide.
✅ Saved ₹19,153 crore annually for Indian consumers.
✅ Reduced carbon emissions by approximately 3.87 crore tonnes CO₂ each year.
✅ Under SLNP, 1.34 crore LED streetlights installed, saving 9,001 million kWh.

Market Transformation & Consumer Benefits: UJALA Scheme India

The UJALA Scheme in India has enabled this by reducing the average cost of LED bulbs in India by a factor of 0.85, triggering one of the largest LED markets across the globe. Up to 15 percent savings in monthly electricity bills were enjoyed by households, which directly enhanced the quality of life and affordability for millions. The scheme changed the preferences of the consumers, broadened the scope of energy efficiency to become ordinary and reachable, and stimulated the popularity of other energy-efficient appliances, which jointly enhanced the Indian commitment towards sustainable development.
✅ The UJALA Scheme in India dropped LED retail prices by ~85%.
✅ Catalyzed India’s LED market to become one of the world’s largest.
✅ Reduced household electricity bills by up to 15%.
✅ Made energy-efficient lighting mainstream and accessible.
✅ Inspired the purchase of other energy-saving appliances.

Recognition & Replication of the UJALA Scheme India

India UJALA Scheme received international recognition, it was rewarded with awards like South Asia Procurement Innovation Award (SAPIA) 2017 and CIO 100 Award 2019 for the year of innovation procurement and large-scale implementation. Countries such as the United Kingdom, Malaysia, and many others have followed in its footsteps to study the details of the UJALA model and implement them in their respective energy efficiency schemes. This awareness underscored the fact that India is leading when it comes to harnessing technology and volumes to provide climate solutions, as well as economic payoffs to its population.

✅ Won SAPIA 2017 and CIO 100 Award 2019 for innovation.
✅ Acknowledged globally as a successful large-scale efficiency model.
✅ Countries like the UK and Malaysia studied and replicated UJALA strategies.
✅ Highlighted India’s leadership in affordable, climate-friendly technology.
✅ Strengthened India’s position in global energy efficiency forums.

Future Roadmap for the UJALA Scheme in India

GRAM UJALA and the need to ensure the last mile connectivity and the affordability of the UJALA Scheme India products are inclusive of the future of the scheme, so that the LED penetration in Rural India is achieved. There are also planned to extend the Street Lighting National Programme up into smart sensor-based LED systems to optimize energy efficiency. UJALA Scheme India focuses on a wider involvement by incorporating digital approaches and improving some of its supply chains to further support long-lasting habits and manage to keep on helping India reach its energy-saving and climate change reduction goals.
✅ Expand rural distribution via GRAM UJALA for last-mile reach.
✅ Continue growing the Street Lighting National Programme (SLNP).
✅ Integrate smart LED technology for streetlights.
✅ Enhance monitoring and maintenance of installed LEDs.
✅ Support India’s climate goals with ongoing energy efficiency measures.

Conclusion

The UJALA Scheme in India has revolutionized the energy sector in India in the past ten years, saving households' expenditure in billions, energy usage, and carbon emission in ways that are unprecedented. Otherwise, it boosted communities and civilized millions by providing equal access to efficient lighting. UJALA Scheme India is an example of how national projects can be formed based on sustainable development concepts and how lives can be enhanced through governmental project implementation.