Prime Minister Modi urged people to adopt energy efficient lighting bulbs
The cost of energy efficient bulbs has dropped by more than 100 percent following government intervention Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in his third Independence Day address today. The government is planning to effect savings of nearly Rs 1.25 lakh crore through the installation of such devices.
"LED bulbs used to cost Rs 350 a piece in India. Who could afford buying LED bulbs? Such devices help reduce electricity costs and also cut down carbon dioxide emissions contributing to both the environment and the economy. Now LED bulbs cost only Rs 50."
Nearly 13 crore out of a targeted 70 crore LED bulbs have been distributed so far under the centre's Domestic Efficient Lighting Program. Under the scheme, LED bulbs are procured through a process of competitive bidding and then resold at low prices.
"My government would have been hailed if we gave a subsidy of Rs 300 to bring down the price of an LED bulb to Rs 50. Instead we will save thousands of crores in energy cost now," Prime Minister Modi said.
According to a government report the use of LEDs for public lighting and in homes could potentially save 20,000 megawatts of electricity. It costs Rs 1.25 lakh crores to generate the same amount of energy.
The Prime Minister appealed to all citizens to proactively adopt LED technology, and help in making the scheme a success.