Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) is one of the most transformative welfare initiatives launched by the Government of India in recent years. Launched in 2016 by the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, the scheme has brought about a significant change in the way millions of rural households cook their daily meals. The main objective of the scheme is to provide clean cooking fuel—liquified petroleum gas (LPG)—to rural and underprivileged households who previously relied on traditional fuels such as firewood, coal, and cowdung cakes.
Challenges of Traditional Fuels and the Birth of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana
Before the launch of PMUY, a large number of Indian households, especially in rural areas, relied on traditional biomass fuels. These fuels not only caused indoor air pollution but also caused serious health problems, especially among women and children, who were exposed to smoke daily. The use of firewood and cow dung cakes also posed environmental challenges, leading to deforestation and increased greenhouse gas emissions. Recognizing this need, PMUY was conceptualized to promote the use of clean, efficient, and safe cooking fuel.
Key Features and Extension
The original target of PMUY was to provide 8 crore LPG connections by the year 2020. The scheme was a huge success and was further extended under Ujjwala 2.0, which aimed to distribute an additional 1.6 crore LPG connections by December 2022. This extension included special provisions for migrant households and ensured that documentation requirements were simplified for ease of access.
A key feature of the scheme is that the LPG connection is issued in the name of an adult woman in the household, thereby recognizing and empowering women as the primary users and decision-makers in the household.
Eligibility Criteria
- To avail the scheme, the applicant must be above 18 years of age and must belong to one of the following categories:
- Scheduled Caste (SC)
- Scheduled Tribe (ST)
- Most Backward Class (MBC)
- Beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin)
- Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY)
- Tea and non-tea garden tribes
- Forest dwellers
- Families living on islands or river islands
- Families identified under the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC)
Achievements and Impact
As of March 2025, PMUY has successfully provided 10.33 crore LPG connections across the country. Additionally, the infrastructure has also grown rapidly to support this massive change. The number of LPG distributors has grown from 13,896 in 2014 to 25,481 in 2024, representing an increase of 83%. This expansion has ensured better access and timely delivery of LPG cylinders even in remote areas of the country.
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Beyond the numbers, the scheme has had a profound impact on the health and well-being of millions of people. Homes now have reduced indoor air pollution, reducing respiratory illnesses and other health issues. In addition, women no longer have to spend hours collecting firewood, giving them more time for education, income-generating activities, and family care.
Empowering the next generation
For students and youth, the success of PMUY is a powerful lesson in how targeted welfare schemes can bring about real and meaningful change. It highlights the importance of clean energy in improving health, promoting gender equality, and protecting the environment. It also serves as a model of how government initiatives, when implemented properly, can directly uplift the lives of the underprivileged.
Conclusion
The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana is not just a scheme – it is a movement towards a healthier, cleaner, and more empowered India. By providing clean cooking fuel to millions of households, especially in rural areas, it addresses health, environment, and gender issues in one stroke. For students, it is important to understand such initiatives, as they represent the building blocks of a sustainable and inclusive future.
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