Free LPG Gas Cylinder: Government of India has announced a big relief for poor and needy families. Under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, LPG cylinders are now being given free of cost to the eligible beneficiaries. This scheme is proving to be a boon especially for women in rural areas, who till now used wood or coal for cooking.
In this article we will tell you what this scheme is, who can avail it, and how you can apply for it. We will also share the benefits of this scheme and some important information related to it.
What is Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana?
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana is an ambitious scheme of the Government of India, which was launched on 1 May 2016. The main objective of this scheme is to provide clean fuel to poor families, especially women. Under this, eligible beneficiaries are given free LPG connections and cylinders.
Brief description of the scheme
| Description | Information |
| name of the scheme | Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana |
| start date | 1 May 2016 |
| target beneficiaries | Below Poverty Line (BPL) families |
| main benefits | Free LPG connection and cylinder |
| application process | both online and offline |
| objective of the plan | increasing access to clean fuel |
| implementing agency | Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) |
| helpline number | 1800-266-6696 |
Benefits of the scheme
There are many benefits of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana:
- Free LPG Connection: LPG connection is given to eligible beneficiaries without any charges.
- First cylinder free: The first LPG cylinder is also given free under the scheme.
- Health benefits: Use of clean fuel reduces diseases caused by smoke.
- Environmental protection: Use of LPG reduces deforestation.
- Time Saving: Less time is required for cooking, thereby freeing up time for women to do other things.
- Economic empowerment: Reduction in expenditure on fuel improves the economic condition of the family.
Who can avail the benefits of the scheme?
Some of the eligibility criteria for Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana are:
- The age of the applicant must be at least 18 years.
- The family should be below poverty line (BPL).
- The family should not already have LPG connection.
- It is necessary for the applicant to have a bank account.
- It is necessary to have Aadhar card or other identity proof.
Documents required for application
Keep the following documents ready while applying for the scheme:
- Aadhar card
- copy of bank passbook
- BPL ration card
- Caste Certificate (if applicable)
- passport size photo
- mobile number
application process
You can apply for Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana through both online or offline modes.
Online Application Process:
- Visit the official website of the scheme pmuy.gov.in.
- Click on “New Registration”.
- Fill all the requested information.
- Upload the required documents.
- Submit the form and note down the registration number.
Offline Application Process:
- Visit the nearest LPG distributor or CSC centre.
- Receive and fill the application form.
- Submit all the required documents.
- Take receipt of form submission.
progress of the plan
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana has achieved a lot of success so far. Some important figures:
- More than 8 crore LPG connections have been distributed so far.
- The scheme has been implemented in 715 districts of the country.
- A target of 10 crore connections has been set by 2024.
Some important things related to the scheme
- Subsidy: Under the scheme, beneficiaries are given subsidy up to 12 cylinders per year.
- EMI facility: EMI facility is available for gas stove and first refill.
- Name Change: The connection can also be taken in the name of any other female member of the family.
- Portability: The connection can be easily transferred from one place to another.
- 24×7 Helpline: For any issue, the toll-free number can be contacted at 1800-266-6696.
impact of the plan
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana has brought a big change in rural India:
- Improvement in health: Diseases caused by smoke have reduced.
- Women Empowerment: Women take less time to collect fuel.
- Environmental protection: Deforestation has decreased.
- Employment Generation: New jobs related to LPG distribution have been created.
- Economic Development: Rural economy has got a boost.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana is a genuine government scheme, but its terms and conditions may change from time to time. For accurate and updated information please visit the official website of the scheme or contact the nearest LPG distributor. Sometimes wrong or misleading information about this scheme is spread on social media or other unofficial sources. Therefore always get information from government sources only.