Nilanjan
Andhra Pradesh is one of the states in India that has taken a bold initiative to provide housing for the poor under the scheme ‘Navaratnalu-Pedalandariki Illu’ (Houses for All). The scheme aims to construct 20 lakh houses for the eligible beneficiaries in rural and urban areas by 2024. The scheme is also known as the poor man’s housing scheme, as it provides free houses to the landless and homeless poor.
However, the government of Andhra Pradesh is not only concerned about providing shelter to the poor, but also about making their houses more eco-friendly and energy-efficient. For this purpose, the government has joined hands with Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), a joint venture of public sector undertakings under the Union Ministry of Power, to supply energy-efficient appliances to the beneficiaries of the housing scheme.
EESL is a leading agency in implementing energy efficiency programmes in India and abroad. It has successfully implemented schemes such as UJALA (Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All), SLNP (Street Light National Programme), and Gram UJALA (Rural LED Programme) in various states and countries. EESL has also been supporting various state governments in providing energy-efficient appliances such as LED bulbs, tube lights, fans, air conditioners, etc. to their consumers at affordable prices.
The partnership between EESL and Andhra Pradesh government will facilitate the supply of energy-efficient appliances such as 4 LED bulbs, 2 LED tube lights, and 2 EE fans to each beneficiary of the housing scheme on a voluntary basis. The appliances will be provided at cost-effective prices and will help reduce the electricity bills of the beneficiaries by up to 50%. The appliances will also help conserve energy and protect the environment by reducing carbon emissions and pollution levels.
According to EESL, around 734 units of energy per house per annum is expected to be saved by using EE appliances. It is estimated that around Rs 352 crore per annum can be saved by using EE appliances in 15.6 lakh houses that are being constructed under phase-1 of the scheme. EESL indicated that 50%, 60% and 90% energy savings can be achieved by using EE fans, LED tube lights and LED bulbs respectively, compared to conventional appliances.
The partnership between EESL and Andhra Pradesh government is a win-win situation for both the parties, as it will help them achieve their respective goals of energy efficiency and housing for all. It is also a win-win situation for the beneficiaries, as they will get free houses along with energy-efficient appliances that will improve their quality of life and generate prosperity in their communities.
How to apply and avail the benefits of the EE appliances?
If you are a beneficiary of the housing scheme or want to apply for it, you need to follow some steps to avail the benefits of the EE appliances. Here are some ways to do so:
- You can register yourself on the official website of PM-KISAN https://pmkisan.gov.in/ or visit your nearest Common Service Centre (CSC) or local revenue office or panchayat office.
- You need to provide your Aadhaar card and bank passbook along with your application form.
- You need to update your e-KYC and land verification on the PM-KISAN portal or through biometric-based e-KYC at CSC or revenue office or panchayat office.
- You can check your beneficiary status online or through SMS by sending a message to 155261 or 011-24300606 with your Aadhaar number.
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