Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) – A Step Towards Clean Cooking Fuel

The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) is a welfare scheme launched by the Government of India to provide clean cooking fuel to poor households. Many families in rural areas still use traditional fuels like wood, coal, and cow dung, which causes indoor pollution and serious health problems. The Ujjwala Yojana aims to replace these harmful fuels with Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), making cooking safer and healthier for millions of people.

Launched on May 1, 2016, this scheme primarily benefits women from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families. It provides them with free LPG connections so they can switch to clean fuel without any financial burden. The scheme has improved the lives of millions by reducing health risks, saving time spent collecting firewood, and protecting the environment. As of March 2020, over 80 million LPG connections had been distributed under this initiative. The government further extended the scheme under Ujjwala 2.0, offering additional benefits to poor families, including a free first refill and a stove.

Key Highlights of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana

Objectives of PMUY

1. Health Improvement – Reduces respiratory diseases caused by smoke from traditional cooking methods.
2. Women Empowerment – Saves time and effort spent on collecting firewood, giving women more opportunities.
3. Environmental Protection – Decreases air pollution and deforestation by reducing dependency on firewood.
4. Ease of Cooking – Provides a hassle-free and convenient way of cooking.

Benefits of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana

• Free LPG Connection – The government provides financial assistance of ₹1,600 per connection.
• Additional Support under Ujjwala 2.0 – Free first refill and a stove for eligible families.
• Safe and Clean Cooking – Reduces indoor air pollution and associated health risks.
• Time-Saving – Women no longer need to spend hours collecting firewood.
• Affordable LPG Refills – Various subsidies make refills more affordable for poor households.

Eligibility Criteria for PMUY

To apply for PMUY, a woman must meet the following conditions:

✔ Must be above 18 years old. ✔ Belong to a BPL household. ✔ The family must not have an existing LPG connection. ✔ Should be listed in the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 database. ✔ Belong to one of the following categories:

• SC/ST households
• Most Backward Classes
• Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) beneficiaries
• Tea & Ex-Tea Garden groups
• Forest Dwellers
• Residents of Islands or River Islands

How to Apply for Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana?

Applying for a PMUY LPG connection is easy. Follow these steps:

1. Visit the nearest LPG distributor (HP Gas, Indane, or Bharat Gas).
2. Collect the application form or download it from the official PMUY website.
3. Fill in the required details such as name, address, bank account, and Aadhaar number.
4. Attach the necessary documents:
   • Aadhaar card
   • Ration card
   • BPL certificate or SECC-2011 data proof
   • Bank account details
   • Passport-size photograph
5. Apply to the LPG distributor.
6. Verification and Approval – Once verified, the LPG connection will be issued.

PM Mudra Loan Scheme

FAQs About PMUY

1. Who can apply for PMUY?
   Women above 18 years from BPL families listed under SECC-2011 or specific government categories.
2. What documents are required for applying?
   Aadhaar card, ration card, bank details, and passport-size photo.
3. How much does it cost to get an LPG connection under PMUY?
   The government provides a subsidy of ₹1,600, making the initial connection free for eligible families.
4. Can I apply online?
   Yes, you can apply online through the official website: https://pmuy.gov.in/
5. What additional benefits are available under Ujjwala 2.0?
   A free first LPG refill and a free stove for new beneficiaries.