DUSHANBE, September 17, 2009, Asia-Plus  -- President Emomali Rahmon has donated compact fluorescent lams (CFLs), also known as energy-saving light bulbs, to 360 vulnerable families in Dushanbe on occasion of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, according to presidential press service.

The families have received eight CFLs each.  Speaking at a September 14 government session, the president called on local officials to purchase and distribute energy-saving light bulbs to poor families during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan free of charge.  Rahmon also ordered them to set strict control over shift to the energy-saving light bulbs.

We will recall that on April 24, 2009, President Rahmon signed a decree requiring nationwide shift to the energy-saving light bulbs beginning on May 1, 2009.  The government, local authorities, organizations and enterprises irrespective of forms of property were charged to provide switch to the energy-saving light bulbs by the end of this year.  Besides, the ministries of finance, economic development and trade, and energy and industries, as well as Barqi Tojik power holding were ordered to provide 241,000 families in the country with energy-saving light bulbs by October 1, 2009.

The decree also obligated relevant ministries and organizations, including ministries of finance, economic development and trade, energy and industries, as well as the customs service, to prepare specific proposals on stage-by-stage restraints on import of conventional (incandescent) lamps into the country.

Energy saving light also known as a compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) is a type of fluorescent lamp and can fit into most existing light fixtures used for incandescents.   Compared to general service incandescent lamps giving the same amount of visible light, CFLs generally use less power, have a longer rated life, but a higher purchase price