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Launched on 1st May 2016 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) is one of the most impactful social welfare schemes in India. This flagship initiative was designed to provide free LPG connections to women from Below Poverty Line (BPL) households to reduce health hazards associated with traditional cooking fuels such as firewood, cow dung, and coal.
The scheme aligns with the Government of India’s goal to promote women empowerment, protect environmental health, and improve rural livelihoods.
Latest Update on PMUY
During the Union Budget 2021, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that the government would extend PMUY to 1 crore additional beneficiaries, increasing the scheme’s reach and impact. The original target of 8 crore LPG connections was already met seven months ahead of schedule, in September 2019.
PMUY Quick Facts
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Launch Date | 1st May 2016 |
| Launched By | PM Narendra Modi |
| Ministry Involved | Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas |
| Target Beneficiaries | Women from BPL families |
| Participating Oil Companies | IOCL, BPCL, HPCL |
| Total Connections Provided | Over 8 crore as of 2019 |
| Financial Assistance | ₹1600 per connection |
Objectives of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana
The scheme was conceptualized to tackle three major issues faced by millions of rural families:
- Health Hazards caused by indoor air pollution from burning solid fuels.
- Time & Labor Burden on women who collect firewood and spend hours cooking in smoky kitchens.
- Environmental Damage due to deforestation and air pollution.
The primary goals are:
- Empowering rural women through access to clean fuel.
- Reducing respiratory illnesses, especially among women and children.
- Promoting the use of eco-friendly fuel alternatives.
- Increasing LPG penetration in underserved areas, especially hilly and remote regions.
Benefits of PMUY
The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana delivers a wide range of health, economic, and social benefits, including:
- Financial assistance of ₹1600 for each LPG connection.
- Interest-free loans for stove purchase and LPG refills.
- Support for BPL families across all States and Union Territories.
- of various cylinder sizes (14.2 kg, 5 kg) based on local requirements.
- Inclusion of NE States and hilly areas (J&K, Himachal, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Assam, Nagaland, etc.) under ‘Priority States’.
- Employment generation through increased LPG distribution networks in rural areas.
The government also introduced the PM Garib Kalyan Package (₹1.70 lakh crore) during the COVID-19 pandemic, under which PMUY beneficiaries received free LPG refills for three months, providing essential relief during lockdowns.
Eligibility Criteria for PMUY
To avail benefits under PMUY, the applicant must meet the following conditions:
- Must be a woman aged 18 years or above.
- Must be a citizen of India.
- Belong to a BPL household as per SECC-2011 data.
- No other member of the household should own an LPG connection.
- The family’s monthly income should not exceed the prescribed state/UT limits.
- Should not be registered under any other similar scheme.
- Must provide identity proof, BPL status, and address verification documents.
WHO Data on Household Air Pollution
The World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted the global urgency of clean cooking fuel access:
- 3 billion people cook with biomass, kerosene, or coal.
- 3.8 million premature deaths occur annually due to household air pollution.
- Half of pneumonia deaths in children under 5 are linked to indoor pollution.
- Major diseases linked to household air pollution include:
- Pneumonia – 27%
- Ischaemic Heart Disease – 27%
- Stroke – 18%
- COPD – 20%
- Lung Cancer – 8%
WHO estimates that access to clean cooking fuel may remain stagnant by 2030, jeopardizing global goals under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Related Government Schemes
Candidates and readers interested in other welfare programs can explore:
These schemes collectively aim at financial inclusion, agricultural growth, women’s empowerment, and food security.
UPSC Notes: Why PMUY is Important for IAS Exam
PMUY is a frequently asked topic under GS Paper 2 – Government Schemes and GS Paper 3 – Health & Environment. Key areas for aspirants to focus on:
- Impact on rural women.
- Environmental implications.
- Alignment with SDG Goals.
- Comparative analysis with similar international programs.
Download PDF Notes
Click Here to Download Detailed Notes on PMUY (PDF)
Conclusion
The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana is a cornerstone in India’s journey toward a cleaner, healthier, and more equitable society. By combining public health, environmental responsibility, and women-centric empowerment, the scheme has created a lasting social impact.
For UPSC aspirants, understanding PMUY offers insights into policy formulation, governance, and implementation challenges, making it a crucial part of current affairs and general studies preparation.
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