Centre extends Ujjwala Yojana, to provide 75 lakh free LPG connections till 2026

The Union Cabinet has approved the extension of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) for release of 75 lakh LPG connections over three years from Financial Year 2023-24 to 2025-26. This will take the total number of PMUY beneficiaries to 10.35 crore. 

The PMUY scheme was launched in 2016 to provide free LPG connections to poor households. As of 2023, the scheme has covered more than 9.6 crore households, providing them with access to clean cooking fuel and reducing their exposure to harmful household air pollution. 

The scheme has also had a positive impact on the lives of women. With easier access to LPG, women are no longer burdened with the task of collecting firewood or other traditional fuels, which often required long and laborious journeys. This newfound convenience allows them to participate more actively in community life and take up other income-generating opportunities. 

The central government has approved the scheme for the release of a grant to support LPG connections to Women under Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana. Addressing media after the Union Cabinet meeting, Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Singh Thakur said in New Delhi that under it, a total of 75 lakh LPG connections over three years from Financial Year 2023-24 to 2025-26 will be released. 

The total cost incurred for the extension of the scheme will be Rs 1,650 crore rupees. Mr Thakur added that so far 9.60 crore LPG cylinders have been distributed under the Ujjwala scheme and another 75 lakh free LPG connections will be given to women from poor and needful families so that they can avail of the benefits from the scheme. He informed that as per the existing modalities of Ujjawala 2.0, the first refill and stove will also be provided free of cost to Ujjwala beneficiaries.