The initiation of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana took place in 2016, aiming to offer complimentary cooking gas to impoverished households. This program ensures that families below the poverty line can avail themselves of its advantageous provisions.
Until a few years ago, cooking in villages was solely done on stoves, which had a detrimental impact on women’s health. The use of stoves and coal-burning fireplaces led to the development of various diseases among women. In order to address this issue, the Central Government initiated the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana. Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this scheme was launched on May 1, 2016, with the objective of providing free cooking gas to impoverished families. This initiative aims to extend its benefits to both rural and urban areas, benefiting families below the poverty line (BPL).
The scheme was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Ballia district of Uttar Pradesh. Economically disadvantaged families are provided with free gas connections as part of this program. Moreover, women are encouraged to exclusively use LPG gas throughout the year, which is why they receive subsidized gas cylinders. Additionally, upon obtaining the connection, financial assistance of Rs 1600 is provided to facilitate the purchase of other necessary items related to the gas connection. The government also offers an EMI facility for the purchase of gas stoves. In this article, we will explore the eligibility criteria for the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, the application process, and its associated benefits.
The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana was initiated with the aim of safeguarding women’s health and creating a safe cooking environment. In economically disadvantaged families, cooking fuel such as wood and cow dung cakes are commonly used. The smoke emitted from these fuels is the root cause of numerous diseases. Impoverished families often lack the financial means to purchase gas cylinders, which prompted the launch of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana. The government has made extensive efforts to promote the scheme and encourage women to cook using clean fuel. Initially, the government disseminated the message to women through advertisements, street plays, and posters. As a result, many women have now transitioned from using smoky stoves to utilizing LPG gas for cooking.
| Name of the scheme | Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana |
| when did it start | 1 May 2016 |
| who started | Prime Minister Narendra Modi |
| under whose control | Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas of the Central Government |
| objective of the plan | To provide clean fuel to economically weaker families by providing free LPG connections. |
| beneficiary | Women above 18 years of age from poor families |
| Relief fund | 1600 rupees |
| where did it start | from Ballia, Uttar Pradesh |
| official website | www.pmuy.gov.in |
| toll free number | 18002666696 |
The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana was initiated by the Central Government with a focus on women. An amount of Rs 1600 is directly transferred to the accounts of women under this scheme. It is specifically designed for families who are below the poverty line. Initially, only five crore families were included, but the amendment has increased the number of beneficiaries. So far, approximately 8 crore individuals in the country have availed the benefits of this program. Subsidized cylinders are provided to economically disadvantaged families.
The government offers three cylinders of 14.2 kg each free of cost per year. Additionally, if someone purchases a gas cylinder and stove for the first time through the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, they are also eligible for the EMI facility. Despite having a gas connection through this scheme, many people still prefer cooking on stoves. Therefore, the government provides regular advice to encourage them to utilize the benefits of the program.
In the past, wood or coals were commonly used for cooking purposes. This practice not only resulted in the emission of smoke, but it also had severe implications for both human health and the unsustainable exploitation of natural resources. Activities such as cutting wood from forests and using coal for lighting cigarettes contributed to environmental pollution. However, with the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, these issues have been significantly reduced. This initiative has not only decreased the pollution caused by traditional cooking methods but has also liberated women from the harmful effects of smoke. Under this scheme, women from impoverished families across the country are provided with the benefits of clean cooking facilities. Following the success of the first phase, the Modi government has also initiated the second phase of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana.
Who can avail the benefit ?
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana is open to all adult women residing in the country, provided they are above 18 years of age. To be eligible, women must possess a BPL card and have their own bank account. Additionally, it is compulsory to link the bank account with their Aadhar card. However, if a family is already benefiting from the scheme, the woman belonging to that family will not be eligible for its benefits.
The scheme provides benefits to the beneficiaries of Antyodaya Anna Yojana.
- People from tea plantation tribe,
- Backward class women,
- Women falling in the list of section 11,
- Women holding BPL card,
- forest dweller family,
- Women of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe.
To access the advantages of the program, you may also submit an online application. In order to do so, you must adhere to a specific set of instructions.
- To begin, visit the official website of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana at www.pmuy.gov.in.
- Once on the homepage, select the download option.
- You will then be presented with four forms available for download. These forms include Ujjwala Form in Hindi, Ujjwala Form in English, Ujjwala KYC Form in Hindi, and Ujjwala KYC Form in English.
- Choose the Ujjwala form that corresponds to your preferred language and proceed to download it.
- Alternatively, you can also obtain this form from your local LPG center.
- Upon obtaining a printed copy of the form, complete all the required information such as your name, age, and address.
- The form will also require you to attach a list of necessary documents. Make sure to include them along with the form.
- Take a moment to review the form before submitting it to your nearest LPG center.
- Once your form and all the documents have been verified, you will be eligible to receive a free gas connection.
It is possible to avail the benefits of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana without the need to visit the LPG center.
- To begin, visit the official website of Ujjwala Yojana at www.pmuy.gov.in.
- Next, select the ‘Apply for PMUY Connection’ option on the homepage.
- A dialogue box will appear, offering various options. These options will provide links to obtain gas cylinders from different companies.
- Choose one of the options corresponding to the gas company from which you wish to obtain a cylinder.
- Upon clicking, another page will open, prompting you to provide information such as your name, distributor name, mobile number, address, and pin code.
- Once you have filled in all the required information, submit the necessary documents.
- Finally, click on the apply button to complete your application.
Required documents:
- Aadhar card
- Bank account linked to Aadhar card
- Registered mobile number
- Address proof
- bank account details
- bpl card
- age certificate
- Voter ID
- caste certificate
- Passport size photo
To obtain a complimentary FaceTime connection, it is imperative that you complete the KYC form. Kindly adhere to the instructions provided below in order to successfully fill out the KYC form.
- To begin, visit the official website www.pmuy.gov.in.
- Navigate to the download section located on the homepage.
- You will find four forms displayed, select the KYC form and proceed to download it.
- Once you have printed the form, kindly complete all the required information.
- Submit the filled form to the nearest LPG office.
- In case you encounter difficulties downloading the form, you may also obtain it from your nearest LPG center.