GS 1 – Society
Context:
The Government has approved the continuation of a ₹300 per LPG cylinder subsidy for Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) beneficiaries in FY 2025–26.
Objectives of PMUY
- Ensure universal access to clean cooking fuel.
- Reduce dependence on firewood, coal, and dung cakes, which cause indoor air pollution.
- Improve health outcomes of women and children.
- Promote environmental conservation by reducing deforestation and carbon emissions.
Implementing Ministry – Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG).
Target Beneficiaries
- Women belonging to Below Poverty Line (BPL) households.
- Identification through Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC)-2011 data and other notified categories.
Phases of PMUY
Phase I (2016–2019)
- Target: 5 crore LPG connections to BPL households.
- Achieved ahead of schedule (August 2018).
Phase II – PMUY 2.0 (2021 onwards)
- Announced in Union Budget 2021–22.
- Target: 1 crore additional connections to migrant and low-income families.
- Features:
- Free first refill and stove with each new connection.
- Simplified KYC norms for migrants.
Key Features
- Subsidy Structure:
- Security deposit for the cylinder, pressure regulator, and safety hose funded by the Government.
- Beneficiaries may opt for a small (5 kg) or standard (14.2 kg) cylinder.
- Financial Support:
- ₹1,600 per connection, provided directly to the oil marketing companies.
Achievements (as of 2024)
- Over 9 crore LPG connections released.
- Significant rise in LPG penetration from 55% in 2014 to over 97%.
Recent Developments
- PMUY 3.0 discussions underway to ensure sustainable use through targeted subsidies.
- Government approval for continued LPG subsidy of ₹300 per cylinder for PMUY beneficiaries till FY 2025.
Significance
- Health: Reduction in indoor air pollution-related diseases.
- Gender empowerment: Time saved from firewood collection used for education or income generation.
- Environment: Lower carbon and particulate matter emissions.
- Social inclusion: Enhances dignity and living standards of poor women.
Challenges
- Refill affordability: High refill cost leads to irregular usage.
- Sustained adoption: Many households revert to traditional fuels due to cost or supply issues.
- Last-mile delivery: Rural logistics still face bottlenecks.
Related Schemes
- PAHAL (Direct Benefit Transfer for LPG) – Transfers LPG subsidy directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts.
- National LPG Coverage Expansion Plan – Expands LPG access to remote regions.