Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana was launched on 1 May 2016 to distribute 50 million LPG connections to women of Below Poverty Line (BPL) families.
A budgetary allocation of ₹80 billion was made for the scheme.
The scheme was replaced by the Ujjwala Yojana 2.0 in 2021.
It is launched to address the pressing issue of indoor air pollution caused by the traditional use of solid fuels such as wood, cow dung, and crop residues for cooking.
This flagship scheme also aims at promoting women's empowerment and reducing the adverse environmental impact associated with traditional cooking methods.
Indoor air pollution caused by the burning of solid fuels for cooking is a major health concern in India, particularly affecting women and children who are exposed to high levels of pollutants on a daily basis.
This leads to a range of respiratory diseases, low birth weights, and other health complications.
PMUY overview
It aims to extend access to clean cooking fuel, particularly LPG, to rural and underprivileged households.
The application process is open both through online and offline channels.
The primary target was an ambitious provision of 8 Crore LPG Connections to disadvantaged households by the culmination of March 2020.
Notably, these new connections, supported by a government subsidy of Rs 1,600 per connection, are exclusively registered in the names of adult female members of economically challenged households.
Furthermore, beneficiaries under PMUY are entitled to receive their initial LPG refill and a stove (hotplate) at no cost, complementing the deposit-free connection granted by Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs).
Moreover, these PMUY-linked connections are eligible for subsidies on domestic LPG Cylinders, allowing a maximum of 12 cylinders per annum, each with a capacity of 14.2 kilograms.
Implementation of PMUY
Application Process: Women belonging to Below Poverty Line (BPL) households initiate the process by applying for a new LPG connection through their designated LPG distributor.
Application Requirements: The application form mandates submission of essential documents such as KYC details, ration card, Aadhaar, and bank account information.
Eligibility Verification: LPG field officials cross-reference the application against the SECC-2011 database to ascertain eligibility, after which deserving beneficiaries are issued the connection.
Connection Costs: The government covers the connection charges. However, Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) provide an option for consumers to choose EMIS to cover the expenses of the cooking stove and the first refill.
Ujjwala 2.0
In August 2021, the Prime Minister inaugurated the second phase of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, referred to as Ujjwala 2.0.
With a targeted outreach, Ujjwala 2.0 seeks to extend its impact by encompassing an additional 10 million beneficiaries in its fold.
The Union Budget 2021-22 introduced a visionary expansion of the PMUY intending to provide an extra 1 Crore LPG connections, placing particular emphasis on migrant families.
This phase allows migrant laborers to access a complimentary cooking gas connection based on a self-declaration process, eliminating the necessity for documents such as address proofs.
The core objective of Ujjwala 2.0 same as that of PMUY — to furnish deposit-free LPG connections to financially disadvantaged families who were not covered by the initial phase of PMUY.
Adding to the comprehensive support, beneficiaries will also receive a stove at no cost.
Under the framework of the scheme, the inaugural gas cylinder is provided without charge; however, subsequent cylinders require payment.
Government support remains substantial, offering a cash assistance of Rs 1 ,600 for the acquisition of a PMUY connection.
This endeavor not only aligns with the goal of improving lives through clean fuel but also showcases a responsive and inclusive approach that resonates with the evolving needs of our nation.
Challenges of PMUY
The spike in LPG cylinder prices made them an expensive proposition even for subsidized households.
Some beneficiaries might lack awareness of proper LPG usage and safety practices, leading to potential risks.
In remote or difficult-to-reach regions, establishing LPG distribution infrastructure can pose logistical challenges.
Document requirements for verification can pose difficulties for marginalized and migrant communities.
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