UJALA - Unnat Jyoti By Affordable LEDs for All : FAQ

UJALA - Unnat Jyoti By Affordable LEDs for All : FAQ

1. What is the UJALA scheme?

Hon'ble Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi described the LED bulb as "Prakash Path" - "way to light". A simple act of change of one light bulb to LED at South Block Prime Minister's office heralded a movement in the entire country for considering the same change. The initiative is part of the Government of India's efforts to spread the message of energy efficiency in the country. UJALA scheme aims to promote efficient use of energy at the residential level; enhance the awareness of consumers about the efficacy of using energy efficient appliances and aggregating demand to reduce the high initial costs thus facilitating higher uptake of LED lights by residential users. It may be noted that the scheme was initially labelled DELP (Domestic Efficient Lighting Program) and was relaunched as UJALA.

2. Who is eligible to get LEDs under the UJALA scheme and what are the requirements to purchase the LEDs?

Every domestic household having a metered connection from their respective Electricity Distribution Company is eligible to get the LED bulbs under the UJALA Scheme.The consumer can purchase the LED on EMI payment (monthly/bimonthly instalments in electricity bill) or on upfront payment by paying the full amount. The consumer needs to carry the following documents to get the UJALA LED bulb:

1) For EMI - Copy of latest electricity bill and copy of Government authorized ID proof

2) For Upfront - Copy of Government authorized ID proof.

3. Where and how can the LED bulb be procured?

UJALA LED bulbs are being distributed through special counters (kiosks) set up at designated places in a city. These will not be available at retail stores. The location details of distributioncounters is available at www.ujala.gov.in, wherein the locations are geo-tagged for consumer convenience.

4. What is the price of LED bulbs?

UJALA appliances can be purchased at Rs 70 per LED bulb, Rs 220 per LED tubelight and Rs 1200 per Fan. The price of appliances consist of component such as price of bulb, distribution, awareness cost, which is discovered through competitive bidding, Annual Maintenance Cost (AMC), cost of capital and administrative costs.

5. What if the LED bulb fuses? Is there any warranty?

If the LED bulb stops working due to a technical defects, EESL provides free-of-cost replacements for a period of three years. All replacements are done through designated replacement/ distribution kiosks as mentioned on www.ujala.gov.in. During the distribution period these LEDs can be replaced from any of the UJALA kiosks. Post distribution, there are state specific replacement drives that will indicate the retails shops/locations where replacement will be available.

6. Where can I register my complaints?

There are 4 types of redressal mechanisms available to the consumer:

1) Complaints during distribution can be addressed at our distribution agency’s customer care centre number which is publicised in our advertisements and awareness drives. EESL has ensured that a toll-free helpline number, corresponding to the manufacturer, is printed on the UJALA LED bulb box as well as the consent deed (payment receipt).Once the duration of the distribution is over the consumers can contact the respective manufacturer via these helpline numbers and seek replacement of the bulb. The respective manufacturer will guide the consumer to the nearest retail outlet, at which the bulbs with technical flaws can be replaced

2) EESL maintains a robust social media response system, where users can Tweet their complaint to EESL's Twitter handle @EESL_India.

3) A detailed email with description and contact details may also be sent to info@eesl.co.in.

4) UJALA Dashboard (www.ujala.gov.in) also has a complaint/ grievance resolution tab on the top right. Consumers are free to lodge their concerns on this platform.All complaints are usually addressed within 48 hours of receipt and a satisfactory resolution follows.

7. What does white and blue colour represent on the UJALA dashboard?

The blue colour indicates stateswhere UJALA distribution scheme has been launched and opened up to the consumers. The white colour indicates the states where the scheme is still in process of being implemented. UJALA being a government scheme has to follow stringent protocolsbefore it is launched in any state.

Source: www.ujala.gov.in