India’s journey towards cleaner and healthier cooking methods has been significantly shaped by the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), a pioneering social welfare scheme launched by the Government of India on May 1, 2016.
This transformative initiative aims to provide liquified petroleum gas (LPG) connections to below poverty line (BPL) households, with a special focus on women. PMUY has not only reduced health hazards associated with traditional cooking fuels but has also empowered women and safeguarded the environment.
Aspect | Details |
---|---|
Scheme Name | Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana |
Launch Date | 01 May 2016 |
Main Objective | Provide LPG connections to all BPL households |
Total Budget | Rs. 8000 Crore and additional 4800 Crore |
Financial Assistance | Rs. 1600/- per LPG connection |
Eligibility | BPL candidates available in SECC-2011 data, SC/ST Households, Most Backward Classes, Beneficiaries of PMAY-G, Beneficiaries of AAY, Forest Dwellers, Residents of Island and River Island, Tea-garden & ex-tea-garden workers, other poor households not covered in this list. |
Other benefits | EMI facility for meeting the cost of stove and first refill |
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 1, 2016, in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh. This ambitious scheme was introduced to address the critical issue of unclean cooking fuels still prevalent in rural India.
Millions of households in the country relied on traditional and often hazardous methods like firewood, coal, and dung-cakes for cooking. The adverse health effects of such practices, particularly on women and children, were a significant concern.
Objectives of PMUY
The primary objectives of PMUY are multifaceted and reflect a holistic approach towards improving the lives of India’s vulnerable population:
- Empowering women: By providing LPG connections in the name of women from BPL households, PMUY aims to empower them economically and socially.
- Reducing health hazards: The scheme seeks to mitigate serious health hazards associated with cooking based on fossil fuels, thus safeguarding the health of women and children.
- Preventing deaths: PMUY aims to reduce the number of deaths in India due to unclean cooking fuel by promoting the use of LPG.
- Combating indoor air pollution: By reducing indoor air pollution caused by burning fossil fuels, PMUY contributes to preventing acute respiratory illnesses among children.
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana 2.0 Eligibility
- The applicant, who must be a woman, should have reached the age of 18 years.
- There should not be any existing LPG connection from any Oil Marketing Company (OMC) in the same household.
- Adult women belonging to any of the following categories are eligible:
- Scheduled Caste (SC)
- Scheduled Tribe (ST)
- Beneficiary of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin)
- Most Backward Classes (MBC)
- Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY)
- Tea and Ex-Tea Garden Tribes
- Forest Dwellers
- People residing in Islands and River Islands
- Enlisted under Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) Households (AHL TIN)
- Any poor household as per the 14-point declaration.
Required Documents:
- Know Your Customer (KYC) details.
- Aadhaar Card of the applicant as Proof of Identity and Proof of Address, if the applicant resides at the same address as mentioned in Aadhaar (not mandatory for Assam and Meghalaya).
- Ration Card issued by the State from which the application is being made or any other State Government document certifying family composition. Alternatively, a self-declaration as per Annexure I can be submitted for migrant applicants.
- Aadhaar cards of the beneficiary and adult family members mentioned in document at Serial Number 3.
- Bank Account Number and IFSC.
- Supplementary KYC documents to support the family’s status.
Please ensure that you fulfill these eligibility criteria and have the necessary documents to apply for Ujjwala 2.0.
PMUY 2.0, an extended version of the original scheme, focuses on simplifying the application process and reaching out to migrant workers.
Many people from various states migrate for work, facing challenges related to address proof. PMUY 2.0 addresses this issue by allowing self-declaration of the address for obtaining a gas connection.
Eligibility for PMUY
PMUY is designed to benefit the most vulnerable segments of society. The eligibility criteria are as follows:
- The applicant’s name should be in the SECC-2011 data or they should be beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G), BPL ration cardholders, IAY beneficiaries, or Antyodaya Anna Yojana beneficiaries.
- The applicant should be a woman above the age of 18 years.
- The woman applicant should belong to a BPL (Below Poverty Line) household.
- The woman applicant should have a savings bank account in any nationalized bank across the country.
- The applicant’s household should not already own an LPG connection in anyone’s name.
How to Apply for PMUY?

The application process for PMUY is straightforward:
- Eligible women candidates from BPL families need to fill the Ujjwala Yojana application form.
- The application form includes basic details like name, contact information, bank account number, and Aadhar card number.
- Applicants also indicate their preference for cylinder size (14.2KG or 5KG).
- KYC application forms can be downloaded online and submitted to the nearest LPG outlet along with the required documents.
PMUY List 2023: To verify eligibility and check if a candidate is included in the PMUY beneficiary list, individuals can consult the SECC-2011 data.
Required Documents for PMUY
To complete the application process, certain mandatory documents must be submitted:
- BPL Certificate authorized by Panchayat Pradhan/Municipality Chairman
- BPL Ration Card
- One Photo ID (Aadhar Card or Voter ID Card)
- One Recent Passport Size Photograph
Budget and Funding of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana
The government has allocated substantial funds to implement PMUY effectively:
- An initial allocation of Rs. 2000 crore was made for the implementation of PMUY for the financial year 2016-17.
- A total budgetary allocation of Rs. 8000 Crore was allocated for the scheme over three years.
- This funding was supported by savings in LPG subsidies achieved through the “Give-it-Up” campaign.
Financial Assistance: PMUY offers financial support of Rs. 1600 for each LPG connection provided to eligible BPL households. These connections are registered in the name of women who head the households.
Implementation of PMUY: The Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas is responsible for implementing PMUY. This marks the first time that such a massive welfare scheme has been executed by the Ministry, benefiting millions of women in the poorest households.
Current State of LPG Distribution in India: Despite India being home to more than 24 Crore households, around 10 Crore households still rely on traditional cooking fuels. PMUY aims to transition these households to cleaner and healthier cooking methods.
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana is a transformative initiative that transcends its role as a mere scheme. It is a symbol of empowerment for women and a beacon of hope for millions of families who have long endured the health hazards of traditional cooking methods.
With its extended version, PMUY 2.0, the government is further simplifying the process, reaching out to migrant workers, and making clean cooking fuel more accessible.
By combining economic empowerment, health protection, and environmental sustainability, PMUY continues to light the path towards a healthier and cleaner India.
What is Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)?
PMUY is a government scheme that aims to provide LPG (cooking gas) connections to women from Below Poverty Line (BPL) households to improve their health and the environment.
Who is eligible for PMUY?
Eligible beneficiaries include women above 18 years of age from BPL households who do not already have an LPG connection. Specific categories like SC/ST, MBC, AAY beneficiaries, and more are also eligible.
What are the benefits of PMUY?
PMUY provides deposit-free LPG connections, first refill, and a hotplate for free. It reduces health hazards from traditional cooking methods and promotes cleaner energy.
How can I apply for PMUY?
You can apply by filling out the Ujjwala Yojana application form available online or at LPG outlets. Attach required documents and submit them to the nearest LPG distributor.
What documents do I need to apply for PMUY?
You’ll need documents like Aadhaar card, proof of identity and address, ration card, and a passport-sized photograph. Requirements may vary by state.
Is there a fee for applying to PMUY?
There is no application fee for PMUY. The connection and first refill are provided at no cost to eligible beneficiaries.
How long does it take to get a PMUY connection?
The process usually takes a few weeks after applying, subject to verification and availability.
Can a single woman apply for PMUY?
Yes, a single woman who meets the eligibility criteria can apply for a PMUY connection.
What is Ujjwala 2.0, and how is it different from the original PMUY?
Ujjwala 2.0 is an extended version of PMUY that simplifies the process for migrant workers. It requires minimal paperwork and allows self-declaration for address proof.
Can I check my PMUY application status online?
Yes, you can check the status of your PMUY application online through the official portal or by contacting your LPG distributor.
Is there a helpline for PMUY-related queries?
Yes, you can contact the toll-free helpline number provided on the official PMUY website for assistance.
How many LPG cylinders can I get in a year under PMUY?
You can avail of up to 12 subsidized LPG cylinders in a year under PMUY.
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