'Over 1 cr LED lamps distributed in Guj under govt scheme'

Around 1.20 crore energy-efficient LED bulbs have been sold in less than two months in Gujarat under a government scheme, state Energy Minister Saurabh Patel said here today.
"About 24 lakh families have purchased 1.20 crore LED bulbs so far ever since the launch of the 'Ujala Gujarat' scheme by Chief Minister Anandiben Patel on May 26," the minister told PTI.
On an average, over two lakh lamps are being sold in the state every day and this number keeps increasing, he said.
Under this scheme, each household is eligible to get a maximum of 10 LED bulbs.
Patel said one month after the launch of the scheme, the Gujarat government had slashed the LED bulb price by Rs 10.

"After the rate revision, if a domestic consumer pays the amount in cash, it would cost Rs 70 per bulb, while Rs 75 per bulb if the amount is paid in installments. The EMI will be included in the electricity bill for a period of five months. For commercial consumers, the rate has remained unchanged and for them each LED bulb is available at Rs 80," Saurabh said.
Domestic consumers can buy the lamps from the nearest distribution centre by showing their electricity bill and valid photo identity card.
"Sixty three lakh LED bulbs were sold through 615 distribution centres across the state in the first month (after the launch). Considering the huge response, we had decided to slash the prices for domestic users," the minister added.