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Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana: Free Safe Cooking Gas for Rural Women
The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) is a flagship scheme launched by the Government of India on May 1, 2016, to provide clean cooking fuel to rural households.
This transformative initiative aims to replace traditional cooking methods using firewood, coal, and cow-dung cakes with clean and efficient LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) connections. By targeting women from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families, the scheme not only promotes better health and environmental sustainability but also empowers women by reducing the time and effort spent on cooking.
As of 2024, the scheme has successfully provided over 10 crore LPG connections, significantly improving the quality of life for millions of rural families across India.
Let’s look at the key details of the scheme, including its key highlights, eligibility criteria, application process, benefits and more.
Key Highlights
- Free LPG connection provided to women from BPL households.
- Target of 10.35 crore connections set by the government.
- Financial assistance of ₹2200 for 14.2 kg cylinder or ₹1300 for 5 kg cylinder.
- First LPG refill and stove (hotplate) provided free of cost.
- Targeted subsidy of ₹300 per 14.2 kg cylinder for up to 12 refills per year.
- Special provisions for migrant families under Ujjwala 2.0
- Aims to achieve universal LPG coverage in India.
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana Details
Important Dates
| Scheme Launch | May 1, 2016 |
| Ujjwala 2.0 Launch | August 10, 2021 |
| Current Phase | Ongoing until March 31, 2025 |
| Application | Open year-round, subject to availability of connections |
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Only women above 18 years are eligible for this scheme.
- The applicant should be from a Below Poverty Line (BPL) household
- There should be no existing LPG connection in the same household
- The applicant should belong to one of the following categories:
- Listed in the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011
- SC/ST households
- Beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) Gramin
- Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) beneficiaries
- Forest dwellers
- Most Backward Classes (MBC)
- Tea and Ex-Tea Garden Tribes
- People residing in islands and river islands
- If the applicant does not fall under any of the above categories, she can still claim eligibility as a poor household by submitting a 14-point declaration.
Benefits
The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana offers several significant benefits to eligible households:
- Free LPG connection: A deposit-free LPG connection is provided to the beneficiary.
- Financial assistance: The government provides ₹2200 for a 14.2 kg cylinder or ₹1300 for a 5 kg cylinder to cover security deposit, pressure regulator, domestic gas consumer card, safety hose, and installation charges.
- Free first refill and stove: Beneficiaries receive their first LPG refill and a stove (hotplate) free of cost along with their deposit free connection by the Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs).
- Targeted subsidy: A subsidy of ₹300 per 14.2 kg cylinder (pro-rated for 5 kg cylinders) for up to 12 refills per year is provided to PMUY beneficiaries.
- Health benefits: Clean cooking fuel reduces indoor air pollution, lowering the risk of respiratory diseases.
- Time-saving: LPG cooking is faster and more efficient, saving time for women to engage in other productive activities.
- Environmental impact: Reduced use of traditional fuels helps in conserving forests and reducing carbon emissions.
Application Process
To apply for the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, follow these steps:
- Online Application:
- Visit the official PMUY website (Check Important Links Section)
- Click on “Apply for New Ujjwala Connection”
- Fill in the required details in the application form
- Upload necessary documents
- Submit the application
- Offline Application:
- Download the application form from the official website or obtain it from the nearest LPG distributor
- Fill out the form with accurate details
- Attach all required documents
- Submit the completed form and documents to the nearest LPG distributor
- Through Common Service Centers (CSCs):
- Visit your nearest CSC
- Request assistance in filling out the PMUY application
- Provide necessary documents and information
- The CSC operator will submit the application on your behalf
After submission, the application will be verified by the oil marketing company. If approved, the LPG connection will be installed at the beneficiary’s residence within 7-10 days.
Documents Required
To apply for the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, the following documents are necessary:
- Proof of Identity (any one): Aadhaar card, Voter ID, or any other government-issued ID
- Proof of Address: Aadhaar card or any other valid address proof
- BPL Ration Card or similar document issued by the state government
- Recent passport-size photograph of the applicant
- Bank Account Number and IFSC of the applicant
- Aadhaar details of all adult family members
- Supporting document for SC/ST status or other eligible categories (if applicable)
- 14-point declaration form (for those not in SECC list or other specified categories)
Contact Information
For more information or assistance regarding the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana:
- Toll-Free Helpline: 1800-233-3555
- Ujjwala Helpline: 1800-266-6696
- LPG Emergency Helpline: 1906
- Official Website: www.pmuy.gov.in
- Visit your nearest LPG distributor or Common Service Center
- Contact your state’s Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry office
Case Study/Example
The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana has transformed countless lives across India. Here are two examples:
- Sunita Devi from Bihar: Before receiving an LPG connection under PMUY, Sunita spent hours collecting firewood and cooking in a smoke-filled kitchen. The scheme not only improved her health but also allowed her to start a small catering business, supplementing her family’s income.
- Lakshmi from Tamil Nadu: As a tea plantation worker, Lakshmi struggled with respiratory issues due to prolonged exposure to smoke from traditional chulhas. The free LPG connection through PMUY has significantly improved her health and reduced her cooking time, allowing her to spend more time with her children and engage in community activities.
These stories highlight how the scheme is not just about providing clean fuel, but also about empowering women and improving overall quality of life in rural India.
Important Links
| Official Website | Click Here |
| Procedure for Regularization & Change of Name in LPG Connection | Click Here |
| Apply Online | Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No, only adult women from eligible households can apply for the scheme.
Yes, the connection can be transferred to another location if the beneficiary moves.
The scheme provides one LPG connection. Refills need to be purchased separately, with subsidies available for up to 12 refills per year.
No, PMUY connection can be released only in the name of adult female member of the poor household.
No, the scheme is only for households without an existing LPG connection.
The initial connection, first refill, and stove are provided free of cost. Subsequent refills need to be purchased at subsidized rates.
Conclusion
The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana represents a significant step towards achieving universal access to clean cooking fuel in India.
By targeting women from underprivileged backgrounds, the scheme not only addresses health and environmental concerns but also promotes gender equality and rural development.
As the program continues to expand and evolve, it promises to bring about lasting positive changes in the lives of millions of Indian families, contributing to a cleaner, healthier, and more empowered society.
Are you eligible for the PM Ujjwala Yojana? Don’t miss this opportunity to transform your life with clean cooking fuel. Apply now through your nearest LPG distributor or visit official website to start your application online. Take the first step towards a healthier, more convenient lifestyle today!
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