In May 2016, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MOPNG) introduced the ‘Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana’ (PMUY) with the aim of providing clean cooking fuel, such as LPG, to rural and deprived households.
This initiative targeted households previously reliant on traditional cooking fuels like firewood and coal, which had adverse effects on both health and the environment. The scheme was inaugurated on 1st May 2016 in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri. Narendra Modi.
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Achievements
The primary objective of the scheme was to distribute 8 Crore LPG Connections to deprived households by March 2020. Notably, on 7th September 2019, the 8th Crore LPG connection was handed over in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, by the Hon’ble Prime Minister.
This initiative significantly increased LPG coverage from 62% in May 2016 to 99.8% by April 2021. Furthermore, the Union Budget for FY 21-22 has allocated provisions for an additional 1 Crore LPG connections under the PMUY scheme, with special consideration for migrant families.
Benefits
Under PMUY, beneficiaries receive financial support of Rs. 1600 for a 14.2kg cylinder or Rs. 1150 for a 5 kg cylinder. Furthermore, every PMUY beneficiary is granted a complimentary initial LPG refill and stove (hot plate), accompanied by a deposit-free connection.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for UJJWALA 2.0, an adult woman from a poor household without an existing LPG connection is eligible. Beneficiaries may belong to various categories, including those identified in the SECC 2011 list, SC/ST households, beneficiaries of PMAY and AAY, forest dwellers, and more. If not falling under the mentioned categories, applicants can declare themselves as beneficiaries under a poor household.
Exclusions
Male members from households are ineligible to apply for the scheme.
Application Process
The online application process requires several prerequisites, including Aadhar Card, Ration Card, Address Proof, Passport size photograph, and Bank Details. Applicants need to visit the official website and select the respective oil company, type of connection, state, district, and distributor. After filling in personal, family, and bank details, a reference number is generated, and a visit to the gas agency is necessary for further processing.
Documents Required
Essential documents include a Valid Photo ID, Ration Card, Proof of Address, Bank Account Number and IFSC, Aadhaar (not mandatory for Assam and Meghalaya), and Passport size photograph.
Implementing the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana has significantly contributed to enhancing the lives of rural households, promoting cleaner cooking practices, and reducing environmental degradation.
