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Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY): Features, Objectives, Ujjwala 2.0 | PM Ujjwala Yojana UPSC

By BYJU'S Exam Prep

Updated on: November 14th, 2023

Ujjwala Scheme stands for Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY). The Ujjwala Scheme is a government scheme under the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas to distribute LPG cylinders to women from Below the Poverty Line (BPL). The aim of PM Ujjwala Yojana is to provide alternate clean fuel to prevent health issues associated with burning unhealthy fuel.

The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana was launched in August 2016. Under the Ujjwala Scheme, the Center provides qualified individuals with a deposit-free LPG connection and financial support in the amount of Rs 1,600 per connection. PM Ujjwala Yojana is covered under the important government schemes and initiatives part of the UPSC Syllabus and is extremely important for the UPSC Exam.

Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)

Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) is a government scheme launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi that provides benefits to women under BPL and the other 7 categories. The prime focus and aim of launching the Ujjwala Scheme is the distribution of LPG connections to households in India that come in the category below the poverty line.

The program envisions a smoke-free Rural India and seeks to assist five crore families, especially the women who are BPL, by offering discounted LPG connections to the entire country. The program will expand LPG use while lowering air pollution, deforestation, and health problems.

Highlights of PM Ujjwala Scheme

The LPG connections and safe cooking fuel that the Ujjwala scheme can provide can help empower women because, in most of India, women are the only ones who are responsible for cooking. Rural youngsters are also employed under the PM Ujjwala Yojana in the cooking gas delivery chain.

Event Overview
Launch Date 01 May 2016
PMUY 2.0 Launch Date 10 August 2021
Launched by PM Narendra Modi
Oil Companies Participants IOCL, BPCL, and HPCL
PMUY Beneficiaries Women BPL (All States/UTs)
Ministry Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas

Objectives of the Ujjwala Scheme

Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana was launched with the primary objective of providing clean and affordable LPG gas connections to rural and below poverty line (BPL) households. By replacing traditional cooking fuels with LPG, the scheme aims to enhance the health and well-being of women and protect the environment from harmful emissions. Following are the objectives of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana:

  • Provide LPG Connections: The scheme aims to ensure that all rural and BPL households, particularly those using traditional fuels like cow dung and wood coal, have access to clean LPG gas connections for cooking purposes.
  • Women Empowerment: The Ujjwala Yojana focuses on empowering women by making them the beneficiaries of the scheme, enabling them to have a clean and safe cooking environment.
  • Health Improvement: By promoting the use of LPG as a cooking fuel, the scheme aims to reduce health risks associated with the combustion of traditional fuels, improving the overall health and well-being of households, particularly women and children.
  • Environmental Protection: The Ujjwala Yojana aims to contribute to environmental conservation by reducing the use of fossil fuels and decreasing harmful emissions, thereby mitigating the negative impact on air quality and environmental degradation.

Features of the Ujjwala Scheme

The PMUY offers BPL households a cash contribution of Rs 1600 for each LPG connection. Go through the features of the Ujjwala Scheme for a better understanding:

  • The scheme aims to provide 8 crore LPG connections to households. Now, an additional 1 crore is also added.
  • All the administrative and assistance costs are on the books of the government.
  • The scheme also generates employment opportunities for young people in the gas supply chain.
  • In this scheme, 22 million LPG connections have been distributed to the beneficiaries just in the first year of its launch.

Beneficiaries under PM Ujjwala Scheme

When the PM Ujjwala Yojana was launched, the prime beneficiaries were women from BPL. In August 2018, women from other categories were also included.

  • SC/ST (Those included in PMAY)
  • Beneficiaries of Antyoday Anna Yojana (AAY)
  • Forest Dwellers
  • Most Backward Classes
  • Tea and Ex-Tea Garden Tribes,
  • Residents of river Islands (Beneficiary will submit supporting documents).

Eligibility for PM Ujjwala Scheme

The eligibility criteria for the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana determine who can benefit from this scheme, aimed at providing clean cooking fuel to households in need. Meeting the following criteria is essential to access the benefits of this program. Check the eligibility criteria for the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Scheme:

  • Female Applicant: The applicant for the Ujjwala Scheme must be a woman who is a citizen of India and at least 18 years old.
  • Below Poverty Line: The applicant should fall under the category of below the poverty line to qualify for the scheme.
  • Single Connection per Family: Only one LPG connection is allowed per family, ensuring equitable distribution among eligible households.
  • Income Limit: The family’s income should not exceed the limit specified by the state government.
  • Non-Overlap with Other Schemes: The beneficiaries should not be availing similar government schemes to avoid duplication of benefits.
  • Correct Details: The applicant’s name and other required information should be accurate and match the details in the government database.
  • SECC-2011 Registration: The applicant’s name should be registered in the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 list.

Benefits of PM Ujjwala Yojana

Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana is a government initiative that aims to provide clean cooking fuel to households in need. This scheme offers numerous benefits to eligible families across the country. Following are some of the key benefits of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana:

  • Access to LPG Gas Cylinders: Families under the Ujjwala Scheme can avail themselves of LPG gas cylinders for their cooking needs. The government provides financial assistance of Rs. 1600 to support the initial cost.
  • Interest-Free Loans: Oil marketing companies offer interest-free loans to facilitate the purchase of gas stoves and refilling of cylinders, ensuring continued access to clean cooking fuel.
  • Coverage for Eligible Families: The Ujjwala Scheme extends its coverage to families falling under the distributorship category, providing them with cylinders ranging from 14.2 kg to 5 kg, based on their requirements.
  • Nationwide Reach: The benefits of the Ujjwala Scheme are available throughout the country, including the northern and northeastern states, which have been given priority in terms of access to LPG gas connections.

Ujjwala 2.0

Ujjwala 2.0 is an enhanced version of the Ujjwala Yojana, a flagship scheme launched by the Government of India. It aims to provide clean cooking fuel to the underprivileged households in rural areas. Ujjwala 2.0 expands on the success of the initial Ujjwala Yojana by extending the benefits to a larger population and incorporating additional features to improve its effectiveness

Ujjwala 2.0, the second version of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, introduced an additional 10 million LPG connections. This updated version specifically targeted migrant families, providing them with free LPG connections. Furthermore, the government has set an ambitious target of providing piped gas to 21 lakh households across 50 districts, aiming to enhance access to clean cooking fuel and improve the overall quality of life for these households.

PM Ujjwala Yojana UPSC

Ujjwala Yojana is the government scheme that was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the 1st of May 2016 to provide freedom to household women from the harmful gases released by fossil fuels in the kitchen, by providing them with LPG gas connections. Government schemes are important to learn for the IAS Exam.

Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) holds significant importance in the UPSC exam as it addresses critical issues related to women empowerment, and social welfare. Candidates can refer to the eligibility criteria and objectives of the Ujjwala Scheme provided above to gain a comprehensive understanding of this government initiative.

PM Ujjwala Yojana UPSC Question

Question: What does PMUY stand for? (A) Pradhan Mantri Ujala Yojana, (B) Pradhan Mantri Udgam Yojana, (C) Pradhan Mantri Udaan Yojana, (D) Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana

Answer: (D) Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana

Question: Under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, eligible beneficiaries receive subsidized LPG connections. What is the key objective of this scheme? (A) Promoting the use of renewable energy sources in rural areas, (B) Ensuring access to clean cooking fuel for women in urban slums, (C) Reducing indoor air pollution caused by traditional cooking methods, (D) Providing financial assistance for the construction of affordable housing

Answer: (C) Reducing indoor air pollution caused by traditional cooking methods

For UPSC Mains

Question: Discuss the objectives and significance of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana in the context of addressing energy poverty and empowering women in rural areas. What are the key components and implementation strategies of the scheme?

Question: Discuss the objectives and key features of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana. How has it contributed to the empowerment of women and the socio-economic development of rural households in India?

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