Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) is a flagship welfare scheme launched by the Government of India to provide clean cooking fuel (LPG gas connections) to women from economically weaker households.The primary aim of this scheme is to protect women’s health and improve their quality of life by replacing traditional cooking fuels such as firewood, coal, and cow dung with LPG. These traditional fuels produce harmful smoke that causes serious respiratory and eye-related health problems, especially for women and children.
By promoting LPG usage, PMUY ensures a safer, cleaner, and more dignified cooking environment for millions of families across India.
Objectives of PM Ujjwala Yojana
- Promote clean and smokeless cooking fuel
- Reduce health risks caused by indoor air pollution
- Empower women from economically weaker sections
- Improve living standards in rural and urban households
- Reduce environmental damage caused by solid fuels
How to Apply for PM Ujjwala Yojana
An adult woman belonging to a poor household and not having an LPG connection in her household will be eligible under UJJWALA 2.0. Eligible beneficiaries can apply for the scheme by following these simple steps:
- Visit the nearest LPG distributor or service center
- Fill out the PM Ujjwala Yojana application form
- Apply the application form through the official online website.
- Submit required documents such as:
- Identity proof & passport size photo
- Address proof
- Bank passbook
- Ration card
- After document verification, the LPG connection is issued to the beneficiary
LPG Subsidy Support Under PMUY
To make LPG affordable for poor households, the Union Cabinet approved a subsidy of ₹200 per 14.2 kg LPG cylinder for up to 12 refills per year for PMUY beneficiaries.
The government’s total expenditure for this subsidy was:
- ₹6,100 crore during 2022–23
- ₹7,680 crore during 2023–24
This financial support has led to a steady rise in LPG usage among beneficiaries.
Rising LPG Consumption Among PMUY Beneficiaries
Due to improved affordability and awareness, LPG usage under PMUY has shown significant growth.
Average LPG consumption increased by 20%, from:
- 3.01 refills in 2019–20
- to 3.68 refills in 2021–22
Gross LPG cylinder consumption further increased to:
- 3.71 refills in 2022–23
- 3.8 refills in 2023–24
This increase indicates higher adoption of clean cooking fuel and reduced dependency on traditional fuels.
Increased Subsidy to ₹300 per Cylinder
In a major relief for poor women, the Government of India has increased the LPG subsidy to ₹300 per cylinder under the Ujjwala scheme.
The ₹300 per cylinder subsidy, which was applicable till March 31 of the current financial year, has now been extended until the financial year 2024–25. This decision was approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, as informed by the Union Minister for Commerce and Industry.
This move strengthens the government’s commitment to:
- Ensuring affordability of LPG
- Encouraging regular LPG usage
- Protecting women’s health
- Reducing household pollution
Benefits of PM Ujjwala Yojana
- Cleaner and safer cooking environment
- Reduced health risks for women and children
- Time saved from collecting firewood
- Improved quality of life and dignity
- Financial support through LPG subsidies
Conclusion
The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana has emerged as a transformational welfare scheme that has improved the lives of millions of women across India. By providing LPG connections and continued financial support through subsidies, the scheme has reduced health problems, empowered women, and promoted environmental protection.
With the extension of the ₹300 per cylinder subsidy till 2024–25 and rising LPG consumption, PMUY continues to play a crucial role in building a healthier, cleaner, and more sustainable future for Indian households.