The scheme aims to provide LPG connections to BPL families, promoting clean energy, health, and women’s empowerment, with approved subsidies, benefits, and over 10 crore connections achieved to date.
Why in the news?
The Union Cabinet has approved the targeted subsidy for Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana Consumers for 2025-26 at Rs 12,000 crore.
Objectives
Features
To provide Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) connections to families living Below the Poverty Line (BPL).
Enhancing access to clean energy, mitigating health risks from indoor air pollution and empowering women by offering a safe, clean and efficient alternative to cooking fuel.
Ministry: Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG)
Type: Central Sector Scheme
Launched: Started in 2016 to provide 8 crore deposit-free LPG connections to rural poor.
Ujjwala 2.0 (Launched in 2021): Additional allocation of 1.6 Crore LPG Connections under PMUY scheme with special facility to migrant households.
An additional 75 lakh connections have been approved for the FY 2023-24 to 2025-26 with the overall target of 10.35 crore LPG connections.
Implementation: MoPNG in collaboration with Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), and state governments.
Eligibility: An adult woman (At least 18 years old) from the BPL families not having an LPG connection in her household satisfying either of following conditions (Refer Infographic):
Enrolment: Eligible woman can apply by submitting a KYC form to the nearest distributor along with Proof of Address, Ration Card, Aadhaar, and Bank details.
For Migrants: No need for ration card or address proof, self-declaration is enough.
Benefits:
Cash Assistance: Rs. 1600 for a connection for a 14.2kg cylinder or Rs. 1150 for a 5 kg cylinder.
Covers cost of a cylinder, pressure regulator, LPG hose, consumer card & Installation charges.
Free first LPG refill and Stove (hot plate) along with deposit free connection.
Targeted subsidy: Rs.300 per 14.2 kg cylinder for up to 12 refills per annum.
Exclusion: Households with existing LPG connections from any Oil Marketing Company.
A household with no adult female member is not eligible for Gas connection under the scheme
LPG Panchayat: Envisioned to discuss safe handling of LPG, and benefits of using LPG over traditional fuels.
Achievements:
10.33 crore PMUY connections across India as on first March 2025.
Global Recognition: Applauded by the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) for improving the environment and health of women.