General Studies Paper-2

Context: India marked the ninth anniversary of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY).

About PMUY

• Launched: In 2016 by the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas.
• Objective: To provide LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) connections to women from Below Poverty Line (BPL) households to reduce the health risks associated with traditional cooking methods.
• Target Group: Adult women from BPL households, with a focus on women’s empowerment and improving their living standards.
• Eligibility Criteria: Women from Below Poverty Line (BPL) households, with priority given to SC, ST, PMAY (Gramin) families, forest dwellers, and tea garden workers. Migrant households can avail self-declaration for address proof.
• Phase I (2016-2020): 8 crore deposit-free LPG connections were provided to women from BPL households by 2020.
• Phase II (2021 onwards): An additional allocation of 1.6 crore LPG connections was made under the PMUY scheme by December 2022, with a special provision for migrant households.
• Achievements (As of March 1, 2025): Total number of active domestic LPG consumers in India stands at 32.94 crore, with 10.33 crore beneficiaries under PMUY.

Significance

• Health Benefits:
  • Improved Health: PMUY aims to eliminate the use of traditional cooking methods like wood, coal, and crop residues, which lead to indoor air pollution.
  • WHO Estimates: Around 5 lakh deaths in India occur annually due to the use of unclean cooking fuels.
• Women Empowerment:
  • Freedom from Collecting Firewood: PMUY empowers women by reducing the time spent collecting firewood, often from faraway forests.
  • Improved Lifestyle: Access to clean fuel saves time and energy, allowing women to focus on productive activities.
• Socio-Economic Benefits:
  • Increased Productivity: Women are freed from labor-intensive cooking methods, enabling them to engage in economic activities.
  • Control over Resources: LPG connections are issued in the name of women, promoting financial independence and decision-making power within households.
• Environmental Benefits:
  • Reduced Air Pollution: Use of cleaner cooking fuel reduces the harmful emissions associated with burning wood or kerosene, contributing to environmental conservation.

Challenges

• Refilling Costs: While the initial connection is free, the refilling cost is a challenge. Poor households may struggle to afford regular refills due to limited financial resources.
• Bureaucratic Hurdles: Delays in documentation and approval processes can slow down the rollout of the scheme.
• Lack of Infrastructure: Rural areas often face challenges with the last-mile connectivity required for LPG delivery. Filling plants and distributors are often not present in remote areas.
• Habitual Practices: Despite having access to LPG, many beneficiaries still rely on firewood due to the cost-saving nature of traditional methods, especially in areas where LPG refilling is expensive.

Way Forward

• Strengthening the Supply Chain: Expand the LPG distribution network, especially in rural and remote areas, by setting up more distribution points and refilling stations.
• Ensure Affordability: Government subsidies or support for refilling costs would make LPG more accessible to low-income households.