Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana: A Revolutionary Step Toward Clean Cooking Fuel

The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) is a landmark social welfare scheme launched by the Government of India on May 1, 2016, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It aims to empower women from Below Poverty Line (BPL) households by providing them access to clean cooking fuel, namely Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).

Traditional biomass fuels like firewood, cow dung cakes, and crop residues have long been the norm in many rural households. These fuels contribute significantly to indoor air pollution, causing chronic respiratory diseases, particularly among women and children. The Ujjwala Yojana seeks to eliminate this risk by making clean fuel accessible, affordable, and acceptable to the rural population.

Table of Contents

Objectives of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana

The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana was designed with clear, multi-dimensional objectives:

To improve the health of women and children by reducing their exposure to smoke and soot.
To empower rural women by reducing their dependence on traditional cooking fuels, which require physical effort and time to collect.
To protect the environment by reducing deforestation and air pollution.
To promote social inclusion by reaching out to SC/ST, forest dwellers, Most Backward Classes (MBCs), and other marginalized groups.
To boost rural economy through expansion of LPG infrastructure and employment generation.

Key Features of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana

Under the scheme:

A subsidy of ₹1,600 is provided for each LPG connection to eligible households.
This amount covers the security deposit, pressure regulator, installation charges, and the first LPG hose and cylinder.
Beneficiaries also get the option to buy a stove and first refill on zero upfront cost, payable in easy EMIs deducted from future cylinder subsidies.
The beneficiary must be a woman from a BPL household without an existing LPG connection in her name.

In PMUY 2.0, launched in August 2021, the scheme was expanded further to include:

Provision for free first refill and hotplate.
Special focus on migrant families, allowing self-declaration as address proof for easy access.
A target of 1 crore additional LPG connections.

Achievements and Current Status of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (as of 2025)

The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana has emerged as a game changer in the realm of rural development and public health:

Over 10.3 crore LPG connections have been distributed since 2016.
LPG coverage in India has increased from 62% in 2016 to over 99% in 2025.
Several studies by government and third-party evaluators have found that the usage of LPG stoves has reduced indoor air pollution significantly, leading to a reduction in respiratory illnesses and improved quality of life.
Time previously spent collecting firewood is now used for economic activities, education, and childcare.

The government has also ensured last-mile delivery through the expansion of LPG distribution centers and the promotion of smaller 5 kg cylinders in hilly and remote regions.

Social and Economic Impact

🔹 Health Impact:

Women previously exposed to open fire cooking now enjoy smokeless kitchens, significantly reducing their risk of asthma, lung infections, and eye problems.

🔹 Time and Labor Savings:

Women save an average of 1.5 to 2 hours daily, which was earlier spent collecting wood. This time is now invested in income-generating work, education, or family care.

🔹 Women Empowerment:

PMUY has provided many rural women with their first government-issued document, helping them gain identity, dignity, and financial independence.

🔹 Environment:

Reduction in deforestation and carbon emissions aligns with India’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) and SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy).

Comparison of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana with Similar Past Initiatives

While India has had previous LPG distribution programs, none have matched the scale, ambition, and targeting mechanism of PMUY. For example:

Rajiv Gandhi Gramin LPG Vitaran Yojana (2009) aimed at improving distribution but lacked subsidy support.
PAHAL (DBTL) focused on direct benefit transfers but didn’t address the cost of obtaining the initial connection.
PMUY uniquely provided a free initial connection, making it inclusive and accessible for the poorest households.

Challenges Ahead for Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana

Despite remarkable success, a few challenges persist:

Sustained usage: Due to rising refill costs, some families revert to traditional fuels after the first few refills.
Affordability: The price of LPG cylinders must remain subsidized for continued adoption.
Behavioral shift: Cultural preferences for traditional chulhas still exist in some regions.

Addressing these through awareness campaigns, behavioral nudges, and refill subsidies is crucial.

Conclusion

The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana has transformed India’s cooking culture. By providing clean energy access to millions, especially rural women, the scheme goes beyond being a mere fuel distribution program — it is a social revolution that brings health, dignity, and economic freedom to India’s most vulnerable.

Official Source for More Info:

https://pmuy.gov.in/

Images from : unsplash.com

Other Schemes: Government Schemes @ Thinkeconomica