Top News

In rural areas, women often face great challenges in arranging fuel like wood or cow dung for cooking. The traditional practice of cooking on open fires emits a lot of smoke, causing serious health problems like respiratory problems due to inhalation of carbon dioxide. To tackle this problem, the Government of India launched the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), providing free LPG connections to rural families to help them switch to clean cooking fuel. Here is a detailed description of this initiative:

What is PM Ujjwala Yojana?

Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 1, 2016, the scheme aimed to provide free LPG connections to economically weaker families. After several years of success, the scheme was upgraded to Ujjwala 2.0, which was inaugurated by PM Modi on August 10, 2021, in Mahoba, Uttar Pradesh. Under this scheme, beneficiaries get a free LPG connection, a stove, a regulator, a gas pipe, and the first cylinder refill at no cost.

Objectives of the Scheme

Despite urban development, many rural households still depend on wood-burning stoves for cooking, exposing women and children to harmful smoke and associated health risks. This also adversely affects the environment. The Ujjwala Yojana aims to provide clean cooking fuel, reduce indoor air pollution, and improve women's health and well-being while protecting the environment.

Eligibility for Free LPG Connection

To qualify for the scheme, beneficiaries must meet the following criteria:

Only female applicants are eligible.

The applicant must be at least 18 years of age.

There should not be any existing LPG connection in the family.

The applicant must have a bank account.

The beneficiary must belong to BPL (below poverty line) families, SC/ST, or MBC communities.
Antyodaya Anna Yojana families, tea garden tribes, forest dwellers, and people living on islands are also eligible.

Required Documents

To apply, beneficiaries need:

Aadhaar Card

Ration Card

BPL Certificate

Age Certificate

Bank Passbook

Mobile Number

Passport Size Photos

Additionally, beneficiaries can now submit self-declaration as proof of address, eliminating the need for an identity or ration card.

How to Apply Online

To apply online for Ujjwala Yojana:

Visit the official website: pmuy.gov.in.

Click on “Apply for New Ujjwala 2.0 Connection”.

Fill in the required details.

Once verified, you will receive your free LPG connection.

This initiative is transforming the lives of rural women by providing a smoke-free, healthy kitchen environment, while also promoting environmental sustainability.