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Prime Minister Highlights the Transformative Impact of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana
Saturday, 2 May 2026
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The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) has significantly impacted women's empowerment and clean cooking energy access in India. This matters for UPSC aspirants as it relates to GS Paper 2 on governance and social justice. Last Updated: 02-05-2026
Key Facts About Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana
- Launched: 2016 by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
- Objective: Provide clean cooking fuel (LPG) to women from poor households.
- Subsidy: Rs 300 per 14.2 kg cylinder for up to 9 refills per year approved for 2025-26.
- Connections: Over 10.54 crore connections released as of April 2026.
- Target Beneficiaries: Women from BPL, SC/ST households, forest dwellers, and other deprived sections.
- Ujjwala 2.0: Launched in 2021, simplifying documentation for migrants.
- Financial Support: Rs 1,600 per connection covering security deposits and installation.
- Health Impact: Reduces respiratory diseases by eliminating toxic smoke from traditional fuels.
India's Clean Energy Transition
The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana is pivotal in India's clean energy transition, aligning with national goals for sustainable development and women's empowerment. It supports India's commitment to reducing indoor air pollution and enhancing the quality of life for marginalized communities. The scheme's success is a testament to India's progress in energy justice and economic inclusivity.
UPSC Relevance
- GS Paper 2: Governance, Social Justice, and Welfare Schemes.
- Prelims: Questions on scheme objectives, subsidy details, and target beneficiaries.
- Mains: Analytical themes on women's empowerment, energy access, and social justice.
- Essay: Topics on sustainable development and clean energy initiatives.
FAQ Section
- What is Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana? It is a welfare scheme launched to provide clean cooking fuel (LPG) to women from poor households, aiming to replace traditional polluting fuels.
- Why is Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana important? The scheme is crucial for improving health by reducing indoor air pollution, empowering women, and promoting energy justice.
- What are the key features of Ujjwala 2.0? Ujjwala 2.0 simplifies documentation for migrants, provides Rs 1,600 per connection, and includes a free first refill and gas stove.
Detailed Coverage
- Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) launched in 2016 to provide clean cooking fuel (LPG) to poor households.
- Targets women from Below Poverty Line (BPL) and marginalized communities.
- Continuation of a targeted subsidy of Rs 300 per 14.2 kg cylinder approved.
- Over 10.54 crore connections released as of April 2026.
- Ujjwala 2.0 launched in 2021 simplifies documentation for migrants.
- Government provides Rs 1,600 per connection, covering installation costs.
- Average LPG refills per capita increased from 3 to 4.47 from 2019-2025.
- Reduces indoor air pollution, preventing respiratory diseases.
- LPG connection issued in women's names, enhancing their status.
- Total LPG connections grew from 14.52 crore in 2014 to over 32 crore by late 2024.
- Behavioral shifts in cooking habits observed due to PMUY.
- Success relies on the JAM trinity for targeted subsidy transfers.
- Concerns include refill affordability and global LPG price volatility.
- Efforts needed to enhance last-mile delivery and affordability.
- Promoting synergy with clean energy alternatives like solar and biogas.
- Training women as "Ujjwala Didis" for awareness in villages.
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