CFL bulbs at Bangalore fair price shops soon

Here’s one more reason to have a ration card. The energy-saving compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs will soon be available at the local fair price shop of the government at a subsidised rate of Rs15.

All you need to do to get the CFL is show your ration card.

The ‘Belaku Scheme’, as the new scheme is called, was all set for launch earlier, but was delayed as the state zilla and taluk elections were scheduled for December 2010, and the model of code of conduct came into effect ahead of the elections.

Even though state energy minister Shobha Karandlaje, who also holds the food and civil supplies portfolio, had earlier announced that the scheme would be ready for launch on February 12, it looks like consumers will have to wait a little longer, as there are problems of logistics that the department of food and civil supplies needs to work out.

Officials now indicate that the project could be launched any time after February 15. No date has been announced officially. Consumers in all eight districts of the Bescom will be entitled to the CFL lights at Rs15, regardless of whether they hold above poverty level (APL) or below poverty level (BPL) cards.

Karandlaje has indicated that the scheme would later be extended to the four other electricity supply companies in the state. The scheme was first set to be launched in October 2010.