Tags:Science & TechUPSC
For Prelims: Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), Induction Cooking, National Efficient Cooking Programme (NECP), Nodal Body, Programme Name, Offer Price, Efficiency of Induction Cooking, Efficiency of LPG Cooking
For Mains: Energy efficiency, clean cooking, indoor air pollution, LPG subsidy reduction, climate goals
Source:
The Hindu
5 facts for one-day exams
SSC, railway, police and teaching exams ask direct questions like these.
- EESL stands for Energy Efficiency Services Limited.
- EESL functions under the Ministry of Power.
- The National Efficient Cooking Programme (NECP) promotes electric cooking.
- EESL offers a 1,200W induction cook-top with cookware at ₹6,990.
- Induction cooking is about 85% efficient; LPG cooking is about 40% efficient.
Why in the news?
Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) under the Ministry of Power has launched a strategy under the National Efficient Cooking Programme (NECP) to promote electric cooking (e-cooking) in Indian households. A 1,200W induction cook-top with cookware is offered at ₹6,990, aiming to reduce fire hazards, improve energy efficiency (85% vs 40% for LPG), and lower household cooking costs.
Summary
- EESL, under the Ministry of Power, has unveiled a multi-pronged strategy under the National Efficient Cooking Programme (NECP) to accelerate e-cooking adoption.
- A 1,200-watt induction cook-top with compatible cookware is offered to the public at ₹6,990 per unit, inclusive of taxes.
- Induction cooking transfers nearly 85% of energy to the cooking vessel, compared to about 40% efficiency in conventional LPG cooking, reducing energy wastage and fire risks.
Highlights
E-Cooking Push Under NECP
EESL has launched a strategy under the National Efficient Cooking Programme to promote electric cooking in Indian households.
Affordable Induction Cook-top Offer
EESL is offering a 1,200W induction cook-top with cookware at ₹6,990 per unit to make clean cooking accessible.
Energy Efficiency & Safety Benefits
Induction cooking is 85% efficient vs 40% for LPG, eliminates open flames, reduces fire and gas leak risks, and can lower household costs.
Background
A large portion of Indian households still rely on LPG and biomass for cooking, leading to indoor air pollution, fire hazards, and energy inefficiency. The National Efficient Cooking Programme (NECP) by EESL aims to shift households towards electric cooking (e-cooking) to improve safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability.
Key Analysis and Impact
The induction cook-top offer at ₹6,990 targets affordability and mass adoption. Induction cooking's 85% energy efficiency, compared to 40% for LPG, can significantly reduce energy waste and household expenses, especially for those using non-subsidised LPG. Eliminating open flames also reduces kitchen fire and gas leak risks, making kitchens safer.
Way Forward
Sustained adoption of e-cooking requires continued affordability, reliable electricity supply, and consumer awareness. EESL's multi-pronged strategy may expand to more appliances and partnerships with state utilities. If successful, NECP can reduce LPG import dependency and contribute to India's climate goals.
Induction vs LPG cooking efficiency
| Cooking method | Energy efficiency |
|---|---|
| Induction cook-top | ~85% |
| Conventional LPG stove | ~40% |
Background GK
Textbook concepts you need to understand this news
- Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL)
- A public sector company under the Ministry of Power, responsible for implementing energy efficiency projects and programmes in India, including the UJALA scheme for LED bulbs.
- Induction Cooking
- A method of cooking that uses electromagnetic induction to directly heat a cooking vessel, achieving higher energy efficiency (around 85%) compared to conventional LPG stoves (around 40%).
- National Efficient Cooking Programme (NECP)
- A government initiative by EESL to promote the adoption of electric cooking appliances in Indian households to improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and enhance kitchen safety.
Facts to remember
Tap a card to see the answer. Try to recall it first.
How exams will ask this
- Data: Efficiency of induction cooking ~85%, LPG ~40%
- Legal Point: National Efficient Cooking Programme (NECP)
Don't make this mistake!
Examiners may confuse EESL with other energy bodies like BEE (Bureau of Energy Efficiency) or confuse NECP with the UJALA scheme. Also, they may swap the efficiency percentages or the offer price.
Write these in mains answers
- Energy efficiency, clean cooking, indoor air pollution, LPG subsidy reduction, climate goals
Stuck? Get it in one tap
EESL, a government company, wants more Indian homes to use electric cook-tops instead of LPG stoves. It is offering a 1,200-watt induction cook-top with a special pot for ₹6,990. Induction cooking is safer because there is no open flame, and it wastes less energy than LPG.
- EESL stands for Energy Efficiency Services Limited.
- EESL functions under the Ministry of Power.
- The National Efficient Cooking Programme (NECP) promotes electric cooking.
- EESL offers a 1,200W induction cook-top with cookware at ₹6,990.
- Induction cooking is about 85% efficient; LPG cooking is about 40% efficient.
- Environment: Energy efficiency and clean cooking
- Governance: Government schemes and programmes
Related concepts: Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), Induction Cooking, National Efficient Cooking Programme (NECP)
Practice questions
Pick an answer, then read the explanation.
- Q1Easy
Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) functions under which ministry?
Explanation: EESL is a public sector company under the Ministry of Power. The Ministry of Environment is not its parent, nor are the Ministries of New and Renewable Energy or Petroleum and Natural Gas.
- Q2Hard
Consider the following statements regarding the National Efficient Cooking Programme (NECP):
- 1.It is implemented by the Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL).
- 2.Induction cooking transfers about 85% of energy to the cooking vessel.
- 3.The programme offers a 1,200W induction cook-top at ₹5,990 per unit.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct because EESL implements the NECP. Statement 2 is correct because induction cooking is about 85% efficient. Statement 3 is incorrect because the offer price is ₹6,990, not ₹5,990.
- Q3Medium
What is the energy efficiency of conventional LPG cooking?
Explanation: Induction cooking is about 85% efficient, while conventional LPG cooking transfers only about 40% of energy to the vessel. 85% is the efficiency of induction, not LPG.
- Q4Medium
What is the primary objective of the National Efficient Cooking Programme (NECP) as described in the news?
Explanation: The NECP aims to accelerate adoption of electric cooking (e-cooking) to improve household safety, reduce energy wastage, and promote environmental sustainability. It does not target solar panels, LPG connections, or a ban on biomass stoves.
Frequently asked questions
1. What is the National Efficient Cooking Programme (NECP)?
The NECP is an initiative by Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) under the Ministry of Power to promote electric cooking (e-cooking) in Indian households for better safety, energy efficiency, and sustainability.
2. How much does the induction cook-top offered by EESL cost?
EESL is offering a 1,200-watt induction cook-top with compatible cookware at ₹6,990 per unit, inclusive of taxes.
3. What is the energy efficiency of induction cooking compared to LPG?
Induction cooking transfers nearly 85% of energy to the cooking vessel, while conventional LPG cooking transfers only about 40%, making induction significantly more efficient.
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- Original6 November 2026 · Read story
