Cooking is an essential part of every household, but for millions of families in rural India, it has long been a health hazard. Many women have been using traditional fuels like firewood, coal, and cow-dung cakes, which not only release harmful smoke but also pose serious health risks. To address this issue, the Government of India launched the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) in May 2016, under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MOPNG).
With the slogan “Swachh Indhan, Behtar Jeevan” (Clean Fuel, Better Life), this scheme aims to provide free LPG connections to economically weaker households, ensuring access to clean cooking fuel and a healthier lifestyle.
Objective of the Scheme
PMUY was introduced with a vision to make LPG gas connections accessible to deprived families who otherwise depended on polluting fuels for cooking. This initiative significantly improves the health of rural women and contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing indoor air pollution.
Who Can Apply?
The scheme is specifically designed for women from economically weaker sections of society. To be eligible, an applicant must:
- Be an adult woman (18 years or older)
- Belong to one of the following categories:
- Scheduled Caste (SC) or Scheduled Tribe (ST) households
- Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin) beneficiaries
- Most Backward Classes (MBC)
- Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) families
- Tea and Ex-Tea Garden Tribes
- Forest Dwellers
- People living in Islands and River Islands
- Households identified under SECC (Socio-Economic Caste Census)
- Poor families as per the 14-point exclusion criteria
Additionally, there should be no existing LPG connection in the applicant’s household.
Documents Required for Application
To apply for the scheme, the following documents are required:
- Know Your Customer (KYC) form
- Ration Card or any other official document certifying family composition
- Aadhaar Card of the applicant and adult family members
- Proof of Address (Aadhaar is valid if the connection is required at the same address)
- Bank Account Details (Account Number and IFSC Code)
Benefits of PMUY 2.0
The government provides financial assistance of ₹2200 for a 14.2 kg LPG connection or ₹1300 for a 5 kg connection. This amount covers:
- Security Deposit for the LPG Cylinder
- Pressure Regulator
- LPG Hose (Pipe)
- Domestic Gas Consumer Card
- Inspection, Installation & Demonstration Charges
Additional Benefits:
Every PMUY beneficiary also receives:
- A free first LPG refill
- A free gas stove (hotplate)
These benefits are provided without any upfront cost to the beneficiary, making the transition to LPG cooking easy and affordable.
Why is PMUY Important?
- Better Health for Women & Children: Reduces indoor air pollution and lowers the risk of respiratory diseases.
- Environmental Protection: Reduces deforestation and air pollution caused by traditional cooking fuels.
- Financial Savings: Women spend less time collecting firewood, allowing them to engage in productive work.
- Ease of Cooking: LPG makes cooking quicker, safer, and more convenient compared to traditional methods.
How to Apply for PMUY?
Eligible women can apply for a free LPG connection at their nearest LPG distributor by submitting the required documents. The scheme is implemented through Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) such as Indian Oil, Bharat Gas, and HP Gas.