Expansion of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana

Latest Context

• On 13 September, 2023 Union Cabinet has approved the extension of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY).
• For the financial years 2023-24 to 2025-26, this will increase the number of LPG connections by 75 000.
• This will take the PMUY's total number of beneficiaries to 10.35 crore.

Introduction

• PMUY was started in 2016.

• The objective is to provide deposit-free LPG connections to women from poor households.
• Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas is a Nodal Ministry.

Benefits of PMUY

• Beneficiaries have the option to choose from 14.2 kg Single Bottle connection (SBC)/ 5kg SBC/5 kg double bottle connection (DBC).
• As per the existing modalities of Ujjwala 2.0, the first refill and stove will also be provided free of cost to Ujjwala beneficiaries.
• A targeted subsidy of Rs. 200 per 14.2kg LPG cylinder for up to 12 refills per year is being provided to PMUY consumers.

Major Initiatives to expand LPG coverage

Significance

• Empowered women economically and socially.

• Reduced household air pollution.

• Reduced black carbon emission, etc.

Other Facts

• According to the WHO (World Health Organization), around 240 crore population worldwide, rely on open fires or inefficient stoves fuelled by kerosene, biomass, and coal for cooking.

• This leads to harmful household air pollution, contributing to an estimated 3.2 million deaths annually in 2020, with over 237,000 deaths being children under age of 5.

PMUY and SDGs

• PMUY is a grand success story that has accelerated India’s progress in attaining the following sustainable development goals—

1. SDG 3

2. SDG 5

3. SDG 7

Key LPG details in 2014 vs 2023 

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