Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)

Context

India marked the 9th anniversary of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY).

Key Highlights

• Launched: In 2016 through the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas.
• Objective: To offer LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) connections to women from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families to reduce the health risks related to conventional cooking strategies.
• Target Group: Adult women from BPL families, with a focus on women’s empowerment and enhancing their residing requirements.
• Eligibility Criteria: Women from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families, with precedence given to SC, ST, PMAY (Gramin) families, forest dwellers, and tea lawn people. Migrant households can avail self-statement to deal with proof.
• Phase I (2016-2020): 8 crore deposit-free LPG connections were provided to women from BPL families by 2020.
• Phase II (2021 onwards): An allocation of 1.6 crore LPG connections was made under the PMUY scheme by December 2022, with a unique provision for migrant families.
• Achievements (As of March 1, 2025): Total range of energetic domestic LPG customers in India stands at 32.94 crore, with 10.33 crore beneficiaries under PMUY.

Significance

• Health Benefits:

• • • Improved Health: PMUY targets to put off the use of traditional cooking strategies like wooden, coal, and crop residues, which result in indoor air pollution.
    • WHO Estimates: Around 5 lakh deaths in India arise yearly because of the use of unclean cooking fuels.

• Women Empowerment:

• • • Freedom from Collecting Firewood: PMUY empowers women by reducing the time spent gathering firewood, often from remote forests.
    • Improved Lifestyle: Access to clean fuel saves time and electricity, permitting women to recognize efficient activities.

• Socio-Economic Benefits:

• • • Increased Productivity: Women are freed from exertions-extensive cooking methods, allowing them to interact in financial activities.
    • Control over Resources: LPG connections are issued within the name of women, promoting economic independence and decision-making power in families.

• Environmental Benefits:

• • Reduced Air Pollution: Use of purifier cooking gas reduces the harmful emissions associated with burning wood or kerosene, contributing to environmental conservation.

Challenges

• Refilling Costs: While the preliminary connection is free, the refilling price is a project. Poor households may also struggle to have enough money normal refills due to limited financial sources.
• Bureaucratic Hurdles: Delays in documentation and approval processes can gradual down the rollout of the scheme.
• Lack of Infrastructure: Rural regions often face challenges with the last-mile connectivity required for LPG delivery. Filling plants and distributors are frequently no longer present in faraway areas.
• Habitual Practices: Despite gaining access to LPG, many beneficiaries nevertheless rely on firewood because of the cost-saving nature of conventional strategies, specially in regions where LPG refilling is costly.

Way Forward

• Strengthening the Supply Chain: Expand the LPG distribution network, specifically in rural and remote regions, by putting in place more distribution factors and refilling stations.
• Ensure Affordability: Government subsidies or support for refilling fees could make LPG more handy to low-income families.

Source: The Hindu

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Q. Access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy is the sine qua non to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).” Comment on the progress made in India in this regard. (2018)

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