The festival of Diwali is approaching, and ahead of this auspicious occasion, the Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh has extended a significant gift to millions of women. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s government is distributing free LPG cylinders to women beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY).
According to government data, more than 17.5 million women in Uttar Pradesh are registered under the Ujjwala Yojana, and they will directly benefit from this unique initiative. The Yogi government provides free cylinders twice a year. One cylinder is given for the festival of Holi, and the other for Diwali. Free LPG cylinders will be provided only to families registered under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana. No separate application will be required.
What is the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana and Subsidy Rules
The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 1, 2016, with the noble objective of providing clean fuel (LPG gas) to poor and rural families, especially women. To date, more than 100 million women have joined the Ujjwala Yojana. Under this scheme, the central government provides a subsidy of ₹300. In simple terms, Ujjwala beneficiaries receive an LPG cylinder at a price ₹300 cheaper than the normal price. This financial support reduces the financial burden on poor families and helps them avoid using unclean fuels like wood or cow dung cakes.
2.5 million additional free LPG connections: Scheme extension
Recently, the Petroleum Ministry approved the issuance of 2.5 million additional free LPG connections to poor women under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana. With this expansion, the total number of connections under the scheme will increase to 105.8 million. According to a government statement, the government has approved an expenditure of ₹676 crore for this purpose.
Under the scheme, beneficiaries receive an LPG connection without any deposit. This includes the cylinder, pressure regulator, safety hose, Domestic Gas Consumer Card (DGCC) booklet, and a security deposit for the installation fee. Additionally, a stove is provided free of charge with the first refill. Beneficiaries do not need to pay for the LPG connection, the first refill, or the stove. These costs are borne by the central government and petroleum marketing companies (OMCs).
Beneficiaries have the option to choose from a connection with a single 14.2-kilogram cylinder, a smaller five-kilogram cylinder, or a connection with two five-kilogram cylinders. This remarkable initiative is a strong step towards improving the lives of rural women.