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Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) — Govt Scheme for UPSC | Vaidra
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Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)

Ministry of Petroleum & Natural GasactivesocialLaunched: 2016-05-01

About the Scheme

PMUY provides free LPG connections to BPL women to replace biomass cooking fuels. PMUY 2.0 (2021) extended to migrants. As of Nov 2025: 10.33 crore connections; Cabinet approved 25 lakh more connections (total 10.58 crore). ₹12,000 crore subsidy approved for FY2025-26. Budget: ₹300/cylinder subsidy.

Target Beneficiaries: 10.33 crore BPL women beneficiaries (Nov 2025); 25 lakh additional approved; SC/ST/OBC/migrants eligible under PMUY 2.0

Official Website →

✦Key Features

  • Free LPG connection for BPL women (deposit-free; first refill and chulha also free)
  • PMUY 2.0 (Aug 2021): migrants eligible with self-declaration of address (no proof required)
  • 10.33 crore connections given (Nov 2025); 25 lakh more approved — total 10.58 crore
  • ₹300/cylinder targeted subsidy for PMUY beneficiaries; ₹12,000 crore approved for FY2025-26
  • Cost per new connection: ₹2,050; total spend ₹676 crore for 25 lakh connections
  • EMI facility for subsequent cylinder refills through oil marketing companies
  • Special focus on 112 Aspirational Districts and tribal/forest areas

✓Eligibility Criteria

  • Women above 18 years belonging to BPL families
  • Names available in SECC-2011 database
  • No LPG connection in the household name
  • Adult women member is the applicant and connection holder

★Benefits

  • Free LPG connection reducing financial burden
  • Clean cooking fuel improving health outcomes
  • Reduced time and effort in fuel collection
  • Safety from indoor air pollution
  • Dignity and empowerment for women

▶Application Process

  • Submit application at nearest LPG distributor
  • Provide required documents and photograph
  • Verification of documents by distributor
  • Installation of LPG connection at household
  • Receive connection and safety demonstration

₹ Budget Allocation

12000

Funding Ratio (Centre:State): Central Government provides Rs. 1600 for each connection (for cylinder, regulator, pipe, etc.)

Exam Relevance

GS Paper: GS2

Prelims Relevance8%
Mains Relevance8%

Syllabus Tags

Women EmpowermentClean EnergyBPLWelfare SchemesGS2GS3

Historical Context

Launched in May 2016 from Ballia, UP. Ujjwala 2.0 launched in August 2021 from Mahoba, UP.

Exclusion Criteria

  • Households that already have an LPG connection
  • Households not falling under specified categories (SC/ST, PMAY, AAY, Migrants)

Sub-Schemes

Ujjwala 2.0

Simplified application process for migrant workers using self-declaration.

Challenges

  • High cost of LPG refills for BPL families
  • Logistical challenges in the 'last-mile' delivery in hilly/forested areas
  • Sustained behavioral change in favor of LPG over free firewood
  • Safety concerns regarding gas usage in rural households

Reforms & Recommendations

  • Direct subsidy transfer to be linked to refill frequency
  • Promote 5kg cylinders for better affordability
  • Gradual shift to Solar-based e-cooking under PM-Surya Ghar

Performance Statistics

Metric

10.33 Crore

Source: Ministry of Petroleum

Metric

75 Lakh

Source: PIB

Critical Analysis

PMUY has been a global success story in addressing 'Energy Poverty' and indoor air pollution. However, the 'Access-Usage Gap' remains a significant challenge. While the scheme provided connections (Access), high refill costs due to global LPG price volatility have hampered consistent usage. The transition to PMUY 2.0 smartly addressed the documentation barrier for migrant workers. The critical debate now is whether to continue subsidizing LPG or to pivot toward Electric Cooking (e-Mamas) given India's renewable energy push.

SDG Linkages

SDG 3 (Good Health)SDG 5 (Gender Equality)SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy)

Constitutional Backing

Article 47 (Duty of the State to raise the level of nutrition and the standard of living and to improve public health)

Technology Used

OMC PortalsDBT for subsidyAadhar Authentication

Success Stories

Smoke-free Villages in Tribal Belts

Key Takeaways

  • LPG connections in the name of adult women of the household.
  • Ujjwala 2.0: No need for permanent address proof for migrants.
  • EMI facility for stove and first refill.

Probable Questions

PMUY is not just a energy scheme but a social reform for women empowerment. Discuss.

EasyMedium

Mains Answer Fodder

Women empowerment and health points: 1. Reduction in respiratory diseases (COPD) among rural women. 2. Time poverty reduction (time saved from fuel collection). 3. Environmental protection (reduced deforestation). 4. Use of the SECC 2011 data for targeting.

Convergence Schemes

  • PAHAL (DBTL)
  • GiveItUp Campaign
  • PM GKAY (Free cylinders during Covid-19)

Sector Tags

EnergyWomen EmpowermentHealth