Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) was launched in May, 2016 with an objective to provide deposit free LPG connection to adult women from poor households across the country provided no LPG connection exists in the name of any family member of the household and fulfilling other terms and condition. Households belonging to Socio Economic Caste Census (SECC) list or from seven other categories such as Scheduled Caste(SC) Households, Scheduled Tribe(ST) Households, Most Backward Classes (MBC), Beneficiaries of PM Awas Yojana (Gramin), Beneficiaries of Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY), Forest Dwellers, Resident of islands/ river islands, Tea garden / ex-tea garden workers or poor households not covered under the above categories by submitting 14 point declaration are eligible for a PMUY connection. Under Ujjwala 2.0, a special provision has been made for migrant families who can use a self- declaration instead of Proof of Address and Ration Card to apply for a PMUY connection.

As on 01.11.2024, there are 10.33 crore Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) beneficiaries across the country.

With the launch of the PMUY scheme, standard operating procedures (SOPs), input validation controls, and a robust deduplication process using parameters like Aadhaar, Bank Account, Ration Card, Abridged Household List – Transaction Identification Number (AHLTIN), and Name/Address have been implemented to ensure that only eligible households receive LPG connections. This process includes real-time checks to detect duplicate connections and is supported by the Common LPG Data Platform (CLDP). Additionally, all applicants of PMUY have to mandatorily undergo biometric Aadhaar authentication to verify their identity.

Further, w.e.f. October 2023 District Ujjwala Committees (DUCs) were formed to scrutinize PMUY applications, review pendency and their disposal in the district, timely releases and operationalization of PMUY connections so that only eligible households receive LPG connections under PMUY.

The primary objective of the PMUY is to provide access to clean cooking fuel LPG to such poor households thereby protecting their health by reducing the serious health hazards associated with use of conventional cooking fuel such as firewood, coal, cow dung etc. which cause severe indoor household air pollution. Use of LPG as cooking fuel frees women from the drudgery of collecting firewood, reduces time spent on cooking and prevents deforestation. As a result of implementation of PMUY, LPG coverage in the country has improved from 62% in April 2016 to near saturation now.

Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) was launched by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India on 01.05.2016. The Government had set a target of 5 Crore LPG connections to be

distributed to the poor households under the scheme. Subsequently, the target was enhanced to 8 Crore which has been achieved on 7th September, 2019 seven months ahead of target.

To cover the remaining poor households, PMUY phase-2 (Ujjwala 2.0) was launched in August 2021 and till January 2023, 1.60 crore Ujjwala 2.0 connections had been released. Further, in September 2023, Government approved release of additional 75 lakh PMUY connections. OMCs have completed the release of these 75 lakh PMUY connections during July 2024. As on 01.11.2024, there are 10.33 crore Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) beneficiaries across the country.

Independent studies and reports have shown that PMUY scheme has had a significant positive impact on the lives of rural households, especially women and families in rural and remote areas. Some key benefits are briefly explained below:

(i) PMUY had resulted in a shift from traditional cooking methods that involve burning solid fuels like wood, dung and crop residues. The use of cleaner fuel lowers indoor air pollution, leading to improved respiratory health, particularly among women and children who are traditionally more exposed to household smoke.

(ii) Households in rural areas, especially those in remote locations, often spend a significant portion of their time and energy in collecting traditional cooking fuels. LPG has reduced drudgery and the time spent on cooking by women of poor households. The free time, thus, available with them can be utilized in multiple spheres for enhanced economic productivity.

(iii) Transition from biomass and traditional fuels to LPG reduces the dependency on wood and other biomass for cooking purposes, leading to a decrease in deforestation and environmental degradation. This benefits not only the households but also contributes to broader environmental conservation efforts.

(iv) The use of LPG for cooking reduces the risk of accidents related to open fires, which is particularly important for the safety of women and children. Accidental burns and injuries associated with traditional cooking methods are minimized, contributing to a safer household environment.

(v) With improved cooking facilities, there is a potential positive impact on nutrition. Families may find it easier to cook a variety of nutritious meals, contributing to better overall health.

This information was given by THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS SHRI SURESH GOPI, in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today

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