Under the central government’s PM Ujjwala Yojana, the government is providing gas cylinders to the poor and needy for just ₹550. Additionally, those who are still forced to cook on coal, wood, or cow dung cakes are also being provided free gas stoves, cylinders, and other supplies under this scheme, so they don’t inhale toxic gases while cooking.
The central government recently approved 2.5 million new connections. With this expansion, the total number of PMUY connections will reach 105.8 million. The government has approved a budget of ₹676 crore for this. The first phase of the Ujjwala Yojana was so successful that the central government launched its second version (Ujjwala 2.0). Under the Ujjwala Yojana, poor families can even beat inflation. Let’s learn about this ground-breaking scheme and how to avail subsidies under it.
What is the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana
The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana was launched by the Central Government on May 1, 2016, from Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The scheme’s primary objective is to provide clean fuel (LPG) to poor and needy families, especially women in rural areas, to free them from smoke-filled stoves and protect their health. Under Ujjwala 2.0, more than 23.4 million connections have been issued by December 2024.
Some of the scheme’s key features make it socially and economically empowering. It promotes clean energy instead of coal, wood, or cow dung cakes. LPG connections are issued in the name of the female head of the family. Free LPG connections are provided to BPL (Below Poverty Line) and SC/ST families. Financial assistance is provided at ₹2,200 for a 14.2 kg cylinder and ₹1,300 for a 5 kg cylinder. Beneficiaries also receive an interest-free loan, which includes funding for the LPG stove (e.g., ₹565 for a 1-burner, ₹990 for a 2-burner). The first LPG cylinder refill is also free upon connection.
Amount of Financial Assistance Available and Eligibility Criteria
The scheme provides varying financial assistance based on the size of the cylinder. Financial assistance for a 14.2 kg cylinder includes ₹1,850 for security, ₹150 for a pressure regulator, ₹100 for an LPG hose, ₹25 for a consumer card, and ₹75 for installation fees, totaling ₹2,200. For a 5 kg cylinder, the security cover is ₹950, and the other costs are equal, totaling ₹1,300.
To benefit from this scheme, the beneficiary must meet the following eligibility criteria: The female beneficiary must be an Indian citizen and 18 years of age or older. She must belong to a Scheduled Caste (SC) or Scheduled Tribe (ST) family, or fall under the BPL category and the Extremely Backward Classes. Beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Gramin or Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) are also eligible. Additionally, tea and former tea garden tribes, forest dwellers, people living on islands and river islands, and poor families, as per the 14-point declaration, are also eligible.
Required Documents and Process for Application
To successfully apply for the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, you must have an Aadhaar card (required for e-KYC), a residence certificate (if Aadhaar address is not the same), a passport-size photo, a ration card, a caste certificate, a bank account number and IFSC code, and a BPL certificate or name in the SECC list.
You can apply for this scheme both online and offline.
Online Application Process
First, visit the official portal of the Ujjwala Yojana and click on “Apply for New Ujjwala 2.0 Connection.” Select an agency from Indane, Bharat Gas, or HP Gas and register for the agency by entering your name, mobile number, and email address. After registration, log in with your details. Complete the e-KYC process, filling in your address and ration card details. Fill in the family member details and select the cylinder type. Enter your bank account number and IFSC code, and print the form. Visit the agency with this form and all documents.
Offline Application Process
You will need to download the KYC form and Annexure I Self-Declaration Form. Fill out Annex II Mechanical Pre-Installation Check Form. Fill out the application form carefully, attach all the required documents, and submit it to your nearest LPG distributor.
How to get the Ujjwala Yojana subsidy
The Ujjwala Yojana subsidy is deposited directly into your bank account through DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer). If you purchase up to 12 cylinders in a year, the payment above ₹550 per cylinder will be deposited into the account of the female head of the family.