Details

The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) was launched by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MOPNG) in May 2016 as a landmark initiative aimed at providing clean cooking fuel to rural and economically weaker households. Prior to this scheme, many households relied on traditional fuels such as firewood, coal, and cow-dung cakes for cooking, which posed serious health risks, particularly to rural women, and had a negative impact on the environment. Recognizing the urgency of promoting clean energy and improving public health, the Government of India introduced this transformative program. The official launch took place on 1st May 2016 in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi.

The primary objective of PMUY was ambitious: to provide 8 crore LPG connections to deprived households by March 2020. This target was achieved successfully, marking a significant milestone in India’s energy access journey. On 7th September 2019, the Hon’ble Prime Minister personally handed over the 8th crore LPG connection in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, symbolizing the success of the scheme in reaching millions of households across the country.

The scheme has had a remarkable impact on LPG coverage in India. At the time of its launch, only 62% of households had access to LPG. By 1st April 2021, this figure had risen dramatically to 99.8%, demonstrating the effectiveness of the initiative in promoting cleaner and safer cooking practices.

Building on this success, the Union Budget for FY 2021-22 made provisions for the distribution of an additional 1 crore LPG connections under PMUY. In this new phase, special emphasis has been placed on migrant families, ensuring that the benefits of clean cooking fuel reach all sections of society, including those who may have been previously underserved.

Benefits

1. Financial Assistance for LPG Connection

Beneficiaries are provided with Rs. 1,600 for a standard 14.2 kg LPG cylinder or Rs. 1,150 for a smaller 5 kg cylinder, reducing the initial cost burden and making LPG connections more affordable.

2. Free First Refill and Stove

In addition to the deposit-free connection, all PMUY beneficiaries receive their first LPG refill and a stove (hot plate) free of cost, ensuring a complete and ready-to-use setup for cooking.

Note:

Priority is given to states with lower LPG coverage compared to the national average as of 1st January 2016, ensuring that the scheme reaches the areas and households that need it the most.

Eligibility

The UJJWALA 2.0 scheme is specifically designed to empower women from economically weaker households by providing them access to clean cooking fuel. To ensure that the benefits reach the most deserving, the scheme outlines clear eligibility criteria.

An adult woman from a poor household who does not currently have an LPG connection at home is eligible to become a beneficiary under UJJWALA 2.0. Additionally, beneficiaries should belong to one of the following categories:

1. Households listed under SECC 2011

Individuals or families identified as eligible under the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) 2011 are automatically considered for the scheme.

2. Special Category Households

a). Women belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC) or Scheduled Tribes (ST)

b). Beneficiaries of schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) or Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY)

c). Forest dwellers, Most Backward Classes (MBC), and Tea and Ex-Tea Garden Tribes

d). People residing in river islands

e). Beneficiaries from these groups must provide supporting documents to claim the LPG connection.

3. Other Poor Households

If a woman does not fall under the first two categories, she may still apply under the ‘Poor Household’ category by submitting a 14-point self-declaration as per the prescribed format.

Exclusions

Male Member from a household cannot apply for the scheme.

Application Process

Prerequisites for Enrollment:

1. Aadhaar Card – serves as a primary identity proof.

2. Ration Card – used for household verification.

3. Address Proof – to confirm the residence of the applicant.

4. Passport Size Photograph – recent photograph of the beneficiary.

5. Bank Details – necessary for financial transactions and subsidies.

Step-by-Step Application Process:

1. Access the Online Portal – Applicants must fill the application form through the official UJJWALA website.

2. Select Oil Company – Choose the LPG provider, such as Indane, Bharat Gas, or HP Gas.

3. Choose Connection Type – Select Ujjwala 2.0 New Connection.

4. Provide Location Details – Select the State, District, and Name of Distributor.

5. Enter Contact Information – Fill in Mobile Number, Captcha, and verify using OTP.

6. Migrant Family Status – Select Yes or No to indicate if the applicant belongs to a migrant family.

7. Family Identifier –

a). If No, fill Annexure 1.

b). If Yes, provide Ration Card details.

8. Select Category – Specify the appropriate category of the household.

9. Complete Application Details – Fill in family details, personal information, address, bank details, and select cylinder type, rural/urban status, and declaration.

10. Submit Application – After completing all required fields, submit the form.

11. Generate Reference Number – Once submitted, a reference number is generated, which should be used to visit the gas agency to complete the process.

Documents Required

1. Valid Photo ID

Any government-issued photo identity card to establish the applicant’s identity.

2. Ration Card or Equivalent

Ration Card issued by the State from which the application is being made.

Alternatively, any other State Government document certifying family composition.

For migrant applicants, a self-declaration as per Annexure I is accepted.

3. Proof of Address

The Aadhaar card can serve as both proof of identity and address, provided the LPG connection is required at the same address. In such cases, Aadhaar alone is sufficient.

4. Bank Account Details

Bank account number and IFSC code are required to facilitate subsidy transfer and other financial transactions.

5. Aadhaar Card

While generally required, Aadhaar is not mandatory for residents of Assam and Meghalaya.

6. Passport Size Photograph

A recent passport-sized photograph of the applicant must be submitted for identification purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions