Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) Completes Nine Years: A Landmark in India's Clean Energy and Women Empowerment Drive

Launched on May 1, 2016, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) marked a pivotal shift in India’s energy policy—prioritizing clean cooking fuel access for the underprivileged, especially rural women. Completing nine years in 2025, PMUY is not just a scheme but a symbol of social justice, gender empowerment, and environmental responsibility.

PMUY: Objectives & Launch Highlights

PMUY was launched with a clear mission:

• To provide LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) connections to women of Below Poverty Line (BPL) households.

• To reduce indoor air pollution caused by traditional cooking fuels like wood, dung, and coal.

• To empower women and reduce their exposure to toxic smoke.

• To promote health, particularly in rural India, where biomass was a primary fuel source.

Key Targets

• Initial target (2016): 5 crore LPG connections by 2019.

• Enhanced target (2018): 8 crore connections, achieved by September 2019.

Nine Years of PMUY: Key Achievements

Massive LPG Penetration

As of 2025:

• Over 10 crore LPG connections provided.

• LPG coverage in India increased from 62% in 2016 to over 99% in 2024.

• Special focus on Aspirational Districts, SC/ST households, forest dwellers, and island communities.

Empowerment of Women

• Over 70% of beneficiaries are women.

• Women now own LPG connections, giving them financial identity and autonomy.

• Reduction in drudgery and time spent collecting firewood.

Health & Environment Impact

• Reduced exposure to indoor air pollution, leading to improved respiratory health.

• Estimated decline in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) among rural women and children.

• Carbon emissions are reduced by decreased reliance on biomass.

Employment & Economic Boost

• Creation of employment opportunities in LPG distribution and maintenance.

• Boost to rural economy through new dealerships, logistics chains, and community engagement.

PMUY 2.0: The Next Chapter

Launched in August 2021, PMUY 2.0 aimed to reach those missed in the first phase, especially migrant families.

Features of PMUY 2.0

• Free first refill and free stove to new beneficiaries.

• Simplified registration process, particularly beneficial for those without proof of address.

• Inclusion of migrant workers and the urban poor.

As of 2025, PMUY 2.0 has distributed over 1.5 crore connections under the extended plan.

Challenges Faced

Despite its success, PMUY has encountered hurdles:

• Sustainability of usage: Many households revert to traditional fuels after free refills are used.

• Affordability: Rising LPG prices deter refills for low-income families.

• Infrastructure gaps: Remote areas still face supply chain issues.

Government Interventions to Sustain Usage

To address refill affordability:

• Subsidy schemes reintroduced in select regions.

• Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) support continues.

• Monthly awareness campaigns promote consistent LPG use and safety.

The government is also working to:

• Promote alternative income sources to support regular LPG purchases.

• Link PMUY with health missions and nutrition programs.

FAQs

What is the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)?

• PMUY is a flagship scheme launched in 2016 by the Government of India to provide free LPG connections to women from Below Poverty Line (BPL) households, ensuring clean cooking fuel access in rural and deprived areas.

How many beneficiaries will have been covered under PMUY by 2025?

• As of 2025, over 10 crore LPG connections have been distributed across India, with special outreach to SC/ST families, forest dwellers, and other marginalized groups.

Who is eligible for the PMUY scheme?

Eligibility includes:

• Women from BPL households (as per SECC data)

• SC/ST households

• Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) beneficiaries

• Forest dwellers, most backward classes

• Residents of island/river islands and aspirational districts
  Applicants must be adult Indian women without an existing LPG connection in the household.

What documents are required to apply for PMUY?

Required documents include:

• Aadhaar card

• BPL certificate or SECC 2011 data reference

• Ration card

• Bank account details

• Identity proof

What benefits does the PMUY scheme offer?

PMUY beneficiaries receive:

• A free LPG connection in the woman’s name

• First refill and stove free (under PMUY 2.0)

• Safety education and support

• Ongoing LPG subsidies through DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer)

How is PMUY 2.0 different from the original scheme?

PMUY 2.0, launched in 2021, introduced

• Simplified KYC and eligibility

• Free first refill and stove

• Access to urban poor and migrant families

• Extended reach into aspirational districts

Can PMUY beneficiaries get LPG subsidies?

• Yes. Under the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, eligible PMUY consumers receive subsidies directly in their bank accounts after refill purchases.

What are the health and environmental benefits of PMUY?

• Reduced indoor air pollution

• Lower risk of respiratory illnesses

• Decreased dependence on wood and coal

• Positive environmental impact due to reduced deforestation and carbon emissions

PMUY: Human Stories That Inspire

• “Earlier, my children used to cough all day due to the smoke. Now, our kitchen is clean and safe,” says Rekha Devi from Bihar, a PMUY beneficiary since 2017.

• “I never thought I’d have my name on a gas connection. I feel respected in my home and village,” shares Pushpa Kumari, a homemaker in Uttar Pradesh.

These stories represent millions who have experienced a shift in health, dignity, and daily life.

The Way Forward: PMUY @ 10 & Beyond

Looking ahead, the government is planning

• Enhanced digital infrastructure for LPG booking and delivery in remote areas.

• AI-driven targeting to ensure no eligible family is left behind.

• Integration with solar cooking innovations for hybrid models in tribal and forest zones.

Budget 2025 has allocated ₹15,000 crore for further PMUY expansion, reaffirming the government’s commitment.

Nine years of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana have redefined India’s clean energy narrative. From being a health hazard to a dignity issue, PMUY transformed cooking into a safer, more respectable, and more empowering activity for rural women.

As India steps into its Amrit Kaal, PMUY stands tall as a people-first policy, blending social equity, sustainability, and technological outreach.

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