PM Ujjwala Yojana: Transforming Rural India with Clean Cooking Fuel
Introduction
The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) is a flagship social welfare scheme launched by the Government of India to provide clean cooking fuel to economically weaker sections, especially women in rural areas. Since its launch in May 2016, the scheme has made significant progress in improving health outcomes, reducing indoor pollution, and empowering rural women.
In this article, we explore the objectives, benefits, eligibility criteria, application process, and impact of PM Ujjwala Yojana, followed by a comprehensive FAQ section.
What is PM Ujjwala Yojana?
PM Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) aims to provide LPG connections to Below Poverty Line (BPL) households to reduce dependency on traditional cooking fuels like firewood, coal, and dung cakes. These traditional fuels pose severe health risks due to indoor air pollution and are a major cause of respiratory diseases, especially in women and children.
Scheme Highlights
Launch Date: 1st May 2016
Launched By: Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas
Target Beneficiaries: Women from BPL households
Goal: To provide 80 million LPG connections to eligible families
Objectives of PMUY
To reduce indoor air pollution and related health hazards
To empower rural women by providing them with clean fuel access
To reduce deforestation and environmental degradation
To create awareness about clean cooking practices
To enhance ease of living for rural households
Key Features and Benefits
Free LPG Connection
Eligible households receive a free LPG connection, including a gas cylinder, pressure regulator, and installation cost.
Financial Assistance
A subsidy of Rs. 1,600 per connection is provided by the central government.
Loan Facility for Stove and First Refill
Oil Marketing Companies offer interest-free loans to cover the cost of the stove and the first LPG refill.
Empowering Women
The scheme provides connections in the name of women, promoting gender inclusion and dignity.
Health and Environment Benefits
It significantly reduces the exposure to smoke and helps in curbing respiratory illnesses, especially among women and children.
PMUY 2.0 (Launched in August 2021)
Under PMUY 2.0, additional provisions were introduced to extend the benefits further:
One free refill and stove along with the new connection
Extended to migrant families without permanent address proof in the location of work
Simplified documentation and self-declaration for address proof
Eligibility Criteria for PM Ujjwala Yojana
To avail the benefits, applicants must meet the following conditions:
Must be a woman from a BPL household
Must be above 18 years of age
Must not already have an existing LPG connection in the household
Should be listed in the SECC (Socio-Economic Caste Census) 2011 data
Possess a valid Aadhaar card and bank account
Required Documents
Aadhaar card
BPL certificate or SECC-2011 data inclusion proof
Bank account passbook
Address proof (Ration card or self-declaration in PMUY 2.0)
Passport-size photo
How to Apply for PM Ujjwala Yojana
Step-by-Step Process:
Visit the nearest LPG distributor (Indane, Bharat Gas, or HP Gas)
Collect or download the PMUY application form
Fill in details and attach necessary documents
Submit the form to the distributor
After verification, the connection will be issued
Alternatively, one can also apply online via the official websites of Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs).
Impact of PMUY So Far
Over 9.6 crore LPG connections distributed as of 2024
Reduced dependency on solid fuels in rural India
Improved air quality and public health
Boosted women’s empowerment and safety
Helped achieve climate and environmental goals
Challenges and Criticisms
Despite its success, PMUY has faced some challenges:
Refill affordability: Many beneficiaries struggle to afford refills after the free supply
Awareness and accessibility: Some remote areas still lack proper information and infrastructure
Behavioral shift: Habitual use of traditional fuels continues in some regions due to convenience or cultural reasons
Conclusion
The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana has been a transformative step toward ensuring clean energy access for all. By targeting the most vulnerable sections of society, especially women, the scheme contributes to health, environmental protection, and women’s empowerment. With ongoing enhancements under PMUY 2.0, the initiative is poised to reach even more homes, creating a cleaner and healthier India.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is eligible for PM Ujjwala Yojana?
Women from BPL households, listed in SECC 2011, who are above 18 years and do not already have an LPG connection.
2. How much subsidy is given under PMUY?
Rs. 1,600 per LPG connection is given as subsidy by the government.
3. Is the stove included in PMUY?
Yes, under PMUY 2.0, a free stove and first refill are also included.
4. Can I apply for PMUY online?
Yes, you can apply through the official websites of Oil Marketing Companies (Indane, Bharat Gas, HP Gas).
5. Is the LPG connection given in the name of the woman?
Yes, the connection is mandatorily registered in the name of the adult woman in the household.
6. What is PMUY 2.0?
Launched in 2021, PMUY 2.0 added features like free refills, stoves, and simplified documents for migrant workers.
7. How many people have benefited from PMUY?
As of 2024, more than 9.6 crore households have received LPG connections through PMUY.
