The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) has been a transformative initiative by the Government of India, aiming to provide clean cooking fuel to economically disadvantaged households. Launched in 2016, the scheme has undergone several enhancements to widen its reach and impact. As of 2025, PMUY continues to play a pivotal role in improving the quality of life for millions of families across the nation.

Evolution of PMUY

Inception and Early Achievements

PMUY was inaugurated on May 1, 2016, with the primary objective of distributing 50 million LPG connections to women from Below Poverty Line (BPL) households. This initiative sought to replace traditional cooking methods, which often involve the use of firewood, coal, or cow-dung cakes, leading to health hazards and environmental degradation. By 2019, the scheme had surpassed its initial target, providing over 80 million LPG connections nationwide.

Ujjwala 2.0: Expanding the Horizon

In response to the overwhelming success of the initial phase, the government introduced Ujjwala 2.0 in August 2021. This phase aimed to cover an additional 10 million households, including migrants and those without permanent addresses. Beneficiaries under Ujjwala 2.0 received free LPG connections along with the first refill and a stove, ensuring a seamless transition to clean cooking practices.

PMUY 2025: Key Features and Benefits

As of 2025, PMUY has introduced several enhancements to further its mission of universal clean cooking fuel access:

Free Gas Cylinders

Recognizing the financial constraints faced by many beneficiaries, the government has extended the provision of free gas cylinders. This initiative ensures that the initial cost of the LPG cylinder does not deter households from adopting clean cooking methods.

₹300 LPG Subsidy Extension

To alleviate the recurring expense of LPG refills, the government announced a ₹300 subsidy per cylinder for Ujjwala beneficiaries. Initially set for the fiscal year 2023-24, this subsidy has been extended through March 31, 2025. This move is projected to benefit approximately 100 million families, with an estimated expenditure of ₹12,000 crore.

Simplified Application Process

The application process has been streamlined to ensure ease of access:

1. Eligibility Criteria:

   • Applicant must be an adult woman (18 years or older) from a BPL household.
   • The household should not have an existing LPG connection.
   • Applicants should be listed in the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 or fall under specified categories such as SC/ST, PMAY (Gramin), Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY), among others.

2. Required Documents:

   • Know Your Customer (KYC) form.
   • Aadhaar card of the applicant and adult family members.
   • Proof of address (e.g., ration card, electricity bill).
   • Bank account details.

3. Application Steps:

   • Collect the application form from the nearest LPG distributor or download it from the official PMUY website.
   • Fill out the form and attach the necessary documents.
   • Submit the application to the LPG distributor.
   • Upon verification, the LPG connection will be issued.

Impact Assessment

The PMUY has had a profound impact on various facets of society:

Health Benefits

Transitioning to LPG has significantly reduced indoor air pollution, leading to a decline in respiratory and other health issues among women and children.

Environmental Conservation

The shift from traditional biomass fuels to LPG has contributed to decreased deforestation and lower carbon emissions, aiding environmental preservation.

Women Empowerment

By providing LPG connections in the names of women, PMUY has empowered them, granting greater control over household resources and reducing the time and effort spent on cooking.

State-wise Distribution of PMUY Connections (as of December 23, 2024)

The following table provides a detailed breakdown of LPG connections distributed under PMUY across various states and union territories:

Data Source: PMUY Official Website

Conclusion

The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana has been instrumental in transforming the socio-economic landscape of India

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Ravi Kumar has a BCA & Master’s degree in Mass Media and over 8 years of experience writing about government schemes, Yojana, recruitment, and the latest educational trends.