The government of India introduces many schemes every year for the growth and development of the country. These schemes are usually called the yojana. The objective of these plans or initiatives may be individualistic or maybe collective with other schemes.
NITI Aayog is the policy head of India. It came into being in 2015 with an aim to achieve sustainable goals of India. It comes under the Ministry of Planning. UJALA Scheme is one such scheme to move India towards Sustainable for the future.
With increasing carbon footprint and massive pollution in the country, it has become important to take environmental responsibility. The UJALA and UDAY Scheme are looking at electricity-related schemes to ensure electrical efficiency in the country.
They both cater to Rural and Urban India at large. We will look at all the elements of this scheme and which electricity bulb works the best with a comparison. The comparison will be mainly between LEDs, CFLs, and Incandescent Bulbs on different bases.
Let’s start with Bachat Lamp Yojana that was the first sustainable electricity scheme for India.
Bachat Lamp Yojana
The Bachat Lamp was an initiative by the Indian Government to replace inefficient bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps. The idea was to sell Certified Emission Rights under the Clean Development Mechanism with validation for the UNFCCC CDM Programme of Activity.
The government took initiative to bring down the price of CFLs like public-private partnerships between government and State level Electricity Distribution Companies. This partnership provided a plan for quality CFL distribution at Rs15 per light to every household of the country.
This scheme allowed replacement of 60 Watt and 100 Watt incandescent Lamps by 11to15 Watt and 20 -25 Watt CFLs respectively. This scheme saw an investment of 74,000 crores but managed to capture only 5% of the market.
UJALA Scheme
It stands for Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All. It replaces the “Bachat Lamp Yojana” and began in 2015. This is an Indian government scheme for non-subsidized LED lamp distribution projects. It comes under the Ministry of Power.
It aims to distribute working LEDs and reduce electricity use across India. The idea is to make electricity more affordable and productive for all citizens. It works closely with Ujjwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana.
UDAY is the financial scheme for electricity distribution companies of India, the Government of India. It also comes under the Ministry of Power and began in 2015.
Implementation of UJALA Scheme
The Implementation of the UJALA scheme in the country with proper terms and conditions and an investment. As mentioned above. DISCOM and EESL. NTPC, PFC, REC, and Power Grids are central power sector undertakings who form the EESL or Energy Efficiency Services Limited.
The establishment of this body took place in 2009 with an aim to improve energy efficiency in the country. Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) is a close associate of EESL.
The National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency is one of the important missions against climate change and comes under BEE.
Objectives of UJALA Scheme
- LED bulbs replacing ordinary bulbs in the country.
- Load reduction of electricity by 5000 MW.
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 79 million tonnes of carbon dioxide.
Reason to use LED Bulbs
The reason behind distributing LED bulbs is because they are better light output and consume only 1/10th of energy compared to ordinary bulbs. Not just bulbs, distribution of 20W LED light is one of the objectives to replace 40W regular tube lights.
But as LEDs are available at a higher price, citizens are reluctant to buy them. The DELP on-bill financing scheme tries to overcome this problem as LEDs are important for a sustainable environment.
UJALA Scheme in Malacca, Malaysia
The Chief Minister of Melaka, Malaysia impressed with this scheme launched the same idea in his state in 2017. The objective was the same to reduce electricity use in the region and preserve the environment at a global level.
Their initiative was to distribute 10 high-quality 9-watt LED bulbs at a cost of RM 10.
Incandescent Light Bulb
The incandescent light bulbs have a wire filament called tungsten. This tungsten heats up to very high temperature as electric current passes through it till it glows with visible light. It is inside a glass or quartz bulb that is filled with inert gas to avoid oxidation.
The use of tungsten is because of its high melting point, low vapor pressure, and good tensile strength. Joseph Swan and Thomas Edison are two important people in the history of this bulb. His invention is the turning point in the history of electricity but LEDs and CFLs are more efficient in nature.
Compact Fluorescent Lamp – CFL
The Compact fluorescent lamp was the first replacement of a tungsten lamp. The reason for the replacement was their higher energy efficiency. But as it is a fluorescent lamp, it contains toxic mercury. This lamp releases low-pressure mercury vapor gas.
Another element is the electrons in the presence of UV rays radiate and return to low energy. This UV light converts to visible light and is visible to naked eyes as a fluorescent coating on the bulb.
Light Emitting Diode Lamp – LED
The LED acts as a two-lead semiconductor light source assembled inside a lamp. It has a PN junction diode that is responsible for emitting light when activated. With suitable voltage, the electrons inside merge with electron holes inside the device and release energy as protons.
Electroluminescence is the name of this process as the protons’ energy makes the color of the light correspond. These bulbs have a better lifespan and efficiency compared to other lamps. Another advantage is that they are recyclable. But the only drawback is presence of lead and nickel.
Comparison – LEDs – Incandescent Light Bulbs – CFLs
| Basis | LEDs | CFLs | Incandescent Light Bulb |
| Life Span | 50,000 hours | 8,000 hours | 1,200 hours |
| Power used | 7 watts | 14 watts | 60 watts |
| Brightness in lumens | 600 | 540 | 800 |
| Annual Operating Cost | X | 2X | 10X |
| Mercury Presence | No | Yes | No |
| Carbon Dioxide Emissions | X | 2X | 10X |
| Instant Turn on | Yes | No | Yes |
| Heat output | Low | Medium | High |
| Heat sensitive | No | Yes | Yes |
| Moisture sensitive | No | Yes | Yes |
| Durability | Very Durable | Not Very Durable | Not Very Durable |
Difference Between LED and CFL
| LED Bulbs | CFL Bulbs |
| LED bulbs consume less power | CFL consumes about 80% of energy in a year |
| LED has 50,000 hours of life | CFL has only 8000 hours of life |
| They are more expensive | They are less expensive |
| More durable | Less durable |
| Smaller in size | Larger in size |
| 2-3 years of warranty | 6 months to 1-year warranty |
| Bulb does not get hot | Bulb gets hot |
| Lighter in weight | Heavier in weight |
Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT)
IGBT is a semiconductor device and the basic component of all electronic products or devices. It is responsible for switching electronic signals and electrical power. The analogue power control is replaced by digital power with increased efficiency.
IGBT Applications
- It acts as a switch in CFL Lamps.
- It generates mercury discharge for lighting up the bulb.
- Also, It is capable of fitting in small volumes.
- It is part of many household appliances as electronic components.
- Medical Testing like X-ray and MRI uses it too.
Jayant Baliga
- He was the inverter of the insulated gate bipolar transistor and is an IIT alumnus. He won a Global Energy Prize for this discovery in 2015.
Conclusion
This article was about the DELP or UJALA Scheme launched by the Indian Government in 2015. The most important parts were the objectives of the scheme, the use of LED and CFL bulbs, and their comparison. They are an important part of general science.
The UPSC Prelims General Study paper can have a question from this topic. This is because it comes under the basic science or GK module. It is also important for UPSC Mains and UPSC Prelims as it is building a basic understanding of general science or knowledge.
Aspirants preparing for other competitive exams like SSC, RRB, and more can refer to it as well. All the UPSC candidates must go through this topic before appearing for the exams.