Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), Objectives and Impacts

Context: The Union Cabinet has approved a targeted subsidy of Rs. 300 per 14.2 kg cylinder for up to 9 refills per year (and proportionately prorated for 5 kg cylinders) to the beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) during FY 2025-26, at an expenditure of Rs. 12,000 crore.

Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)

The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) is a pioneering initiative launched by the Government of India in 2016 to address the pressing issue of indoor air pollution caused by the traditional use of solid fuels such as wood, cow dung, and crop residues for cooking. This flagship scheme is not only aimed at improving the health and well-being of millions of households but also at promoting women’s empowerment and reducing the adverse environmental impact associated with traditional cooking methods.

Improved LPG consumption by PMUY Households: Average Per Capita Consumption (PCC) of PMUY consumers, which was only about 3 refills in 2019-20 and 3. 68 refills in 2022-23, has improved to about 4.47 during FY 2024-25.

Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) Objectives

The primary objectives of PMUY are as follows:

• Promoting Clean Cooking: PMUY aims to provide clean cooking solutions to 80 million Below Poverty Line (BPL) households by providing them with free LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) connections and stoves. This transition from traditional cooking fuels to LPG not only reduces indoor air pollution but also eliminates the drudgery of collecting firewood and reduces deforestation.
• Women’s Empowerment: The scheme recognises the role of women as primary users of household cooking facilities. By providing LPG connections in the names of women beneficiaries, PMUY contributes to their economic and social empowerment, giving them greater control over household energy resources and promoting gender equality.
• Health Benefits: By reducing exposure to indoor air pollution, PMUY contributes to the prevention of a range of respiratory diseases and other health issues. Improved indoor air quality leads to better overall health outcomes, particularly for women and children.
• Environmental Conservation: The adoption of LPG as a cooking fuel reduces the demand for firewood and other solid fuels, thereby mitigating deforestation and its associated environmental impacts. This aligns with the government’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental conservation.

Impact of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)

Reduction in fuel collection time

Households using LPG save 30 minutes per day in cooking compared to those using solid fuels.

• Dung collection: Reduced by 70 minutes per week.
• Firewood collection: Reduced by only 10 minutes per week.
• Other domestic work: Decreased by 20 minutes per day.

Low Adoption of LPG for Regular Use

While PMUY has successfully increased LPG connections, many rural households continue to use mixed-fuel cooking due to:

• High cost of LPG refills.
• Preference for traditional cooking methods.
• Lack of awareness about the health hazards of indoor pollution.

Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana Beneficiaries Expansion

To expand the reach and achieve the heightened targets, the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) has incorporated additional beneficiary categories alongside the SECC (Socio-Economic and Caste Census) list. The scheme’s extended coverage encompasses the following groups:

• Poor Household as per 14-Point Declaration
• Applicant Age Requirement: Prospective beneficiaries must have reached the age of 18.
• Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin): Beneficiaries under the rural housing scheme are included.
• Most Backwards Classes: This category is now integrated into the scheme.
• Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY): Beneficiaries of the food security scheme are part of the expanded scope.
• Tea and Ex-Tea Garden Tribes: This specific group has been incorporated into the PMUY beneficiaries.
• SC Households: Scheduled Caste households are now considered eligible beneficiaries.
• ST Households: Scheduled Tribe households are also covered under the extended list.
• Island and River Island Residents: Individuals living on islands and river islands are included.
• SECC Households (AHL TIN): Beneficiaries from the Socio-Economic and Caste Census list continue to be covered.
• Forest Dwellers: Those residing in forest areas are now part of the expanded scope.
• Single Household LPG Connection: It is ensured that there are no other LPG connections within the same household.

It’s important to note that the release of LPG connections within this initiative is directed towards women belonging to BPL (Below Poverty Line) families.

Implementation of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana

• Application Process: Women belonging to Below Poverty Line (BPL) households initiate the process by applying for a new LPG connection through their designated LPG distributor.
• Application Requirements: The application form mandates the submission of essential documents such as KYC details, ration card, Aadhaar, and bank account information.
• Eligibility Verification: LPG field officials cross-reference the application against the SECC-2011 database to ascertain eligibility, after which deserving beneficiaries are issued the connection.
• Connection Costs: The government covers the connection charges. However, Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) provide an option for consumers to choose EMIs to cover the expenses of the cooking stove and the first refill.
• Mela Events: OMCs organise Melas at various locations to facilitate the release of connections to BPL families, enhancing the accessibility of the scheme.
• Distributorship and Cylinder Sizes: The scheme’s reach extends to BPL families under various distributorship forms and encompasses different cylinder sizes.

Phases of Implementation

Phase I (2016–2020)

• Launched on May 1, 2016.
• Target: Release of 8 crore LPG connections by March 2020.
• Result: LPG coverage rose from 62% to 99.8% by April 2021.

Ujjwala 2.0 (2021 onwards)

• Announced in the Union Budget 2021–22.
• Initial goal: 1 crore additional LPG connections by March 2022.
• Achieved in January 2022.
• Later, an extra 60 lakh connections were approved.
• By December 31, 2022, 6 crore connections were released under Ujjwala 2.0.

Ujjwala 2.0: Expanding Horizons of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana

• In August 2021, the Prime Minister inaugurated the second phase of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, referred to as Ujjwala 2.0, marking a new chapter in the ambitious cooking gas scheme.
• With a targeted outreach, Ujjwala 2.0 seeks to extend its impact by encompassing an additional 10 million beneficiaries in its fold. The Union Budget 2021-22 introduced a visionary expansion of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, intending to provide an extra 1 Crore LPG connections, placing particular emphasis on migrant families.
• An innovative facet of Ujjwala 2.0 is its approach towards migrant workers. This phase allows migrant labourers to access a complimentary cooking gas connection based on a self-declaration process, eliminating the necessity for documents such as address proofs.
• The core objective of Ujjwala 2.0 remains consistent with its predecessor – to furnish deposit-free LPG connections to financially disadvantaged families who were not covered by the initial phase of PMUY. Adding to the comprehensive support, beneficiaries will also receive a stove at no cost.
• Under the framework of the scheme, the inaugural gas cylinder is provided without charge; however, subsequent cylinders require payment. Government support remains substantial, offering a cash assistance of Rs 1,600 for the acquisition of a PMUY connection.
• Ujjwala 2.0 represents a strategic stride towards ensuring clean cooking energy accessibility for a wider spectrum of society, particularly targeting migrant families. This endeavor not only aligns to improve lives through clean fuel but also showcases a responsive and inclusive approach that resonates with the evolving needs of our nation.

Eligibility Criteria for Ujjwala 2.0 Connection

• Applicant: Adult women aged 18 or above.
• No Previous LPG: No existing LPG connection in the household.
• Eligible Categories: SC, ST, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin), Most Backwards Classes (MBC), Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY), Tea and Ex-Tea Garden tribes, Forest Dwellers, Island and River Island residents, SECC Households, Poor Household as per 14-point declaration.

Achievements of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana

• Massive Outreach: Millions of LPG connections distributed nationwide.
• Health Impact: Reduced indoor air pollution and better respiratory health.
• Women’s Empowerment: Women beneficiaries gain control over resources.
• Deforestation Reduction: Less firewood demand, aiding environmental conservation.
• Economic Benefits: Saved time, enhanced productivity.
• Safer Cooking: Improved cooking safety and hygiene.
• Social Impact: Enhanced quality of life and social inclusion.
• Global Recognition: Acknowledged internationally as a model program.
• Holistic Development: Aligns with diverse development goals.

Significance of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana

• Women’s Empowerment and Health: The Ujjwala Yojana empowers women and safeguards them, reducing respiratory illnesses and other health issues associated with traditional cooking fuels.
• Safety and Dignity: The program significantly reduces the risks of health hazards and threats like sexual harassment faced by women collecting firewood in forests.
• Health Benefits: Research reveals that frequent use of solid biomass leads to ailments such as headaches, nausea, chronic bronchitis, and skin diseases. LPG adoption reduces indoor air pollution-related health risks.
• Environmental Impact: Transitioning away from firewood positively affects forest cover and contributes to environmental preservation.
• Employment Opportunities: The scheme extends employment prospects to rural youth within the cooking gas supply chain, including logistics and maintenance services.
• Subsidy and Ownership: LPG connections released under this scheme are registered in the name of BPL women beneficiaries, with subsidies directly credited to their accounts.
• Time Efficiency: LPG usage saves women considerable time, as there’s no need to gather and prepare solid fuels. This additional time can be utilised more productively.
• Community Engagement: In many villages, women form self-help groups during their free time, engaging in communal economic activities.

Challenges Associated with Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana

• Sustained Usage: Ensuring consistent adoption of LPG over traditional fuels can be a challenge due to familiarity and affordability issues in certain areas.
• Affordability: While the scheme covers connection costs, ongoing expenses for LPG refills can still be a financial burden for some households.
• Awareness and Education: Some beneficiaries might lack awareness of proper LPG usage and safety practices, leading to potential risks.
• Infrastructure: In remote or difficult-to-reach regions, establishing LPG distribution infrastructure can pose logistical challenges.
• Geographical Barriers: The scheme’s reach might be limited in areas with challenging terrain, impacting its effectiveness.
• Alternate Fuels: Traditional cooking methods might still be preferred for certain traditional dishes, hindering a complete transition to LPG.
• Cultural Acceptance: In specific cultural contexts, traditional cooking methods hold cultural significance, affecting the adoption of LPG.
• Documentation: Document requirements for verification can pose difficulties for marginalised and migrant communities.
• Subsidy Rationalisation: Balancing subsidy distribution while ensuring affordability for beneficiaries can be complex.
• Sustainability: The long-term viability of the scheme’s impact requires continuous monitoring and adaptation to changing needs.

What needs to be done?

• Enhancing LPG affordability: Subsidies or lower-cost refill options.
• Raising awareness: Campaigns on the health benefits of LPG over solid fuels.
• Encouraging women’s employment: Creating flexible, home-based work opportunities.
• Increasing women’s decision-making power: Encouraging direct LPG subsidy transfers to women.

PMUY has reduced cooking time and improved women’s health by reducing exposure to smoke. However, it has not significantly increased women’s workforce participation due to limited employment opportunities, household decision-making patterns, and persistent fuel use habits. Future policies should enhance affordability, create jobs, and empower women in household decision-making to maximise PMUY’s impact.

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