The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) 2.0, an ambitious initiative by the Government of India, has been a cornerstone in transforming the lives of millions of women, particularly those from economically disadvantaged households. Launched as an extension of the original PMUY in 2016, Ujjwala 2.0 aims to provide clean cooking fuel in the form of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) to rural and poor households, replacing traditional fuels like firewood, coal, and cow-dung cakes. By addressing health, environmental, and socio-economic challenges, this scheme empowers women, enhances safety, and promotes sustainable energy practices. As of July 2025, PMUY has facilitated over 10.33 crore LPG connections across the country, marking a significant milestone in India’s journey toward cleaner energy and gender equality.
This article delves into the objectives, implementation, eligibility, benefits, and transformative impact of PMUY 2.0, highlighting its role in empowering women and fostering a healthier, more sustainable future.
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Introduction to Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana 2.0
The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, initiated on May 1, 2016, by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), was designed to provide clean cooking fuel to women from below-poverty-line (BPL) households. Traditional cooking fuels like firewood and cow-dung cakes expose women and children to harmful indoor air pollution, leading to respiratory diseases and other health risks. PMUY sought to address these issues by providing deposit-free LPG connections to eligible households.
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| Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana 2.0 |
Building on the success of the original scheme, Ujjwala 2.0 was launched on August 10, 2021, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mahoba, Uttar Pradesh. This enhanced version aimed to reach an additional 1.6 crore households with zero-deposit LPG connections, making clean fuel more accessible to marginalized communities, including migrant workers. The scheme not only provides free LPG connections but also includes the first refill and a gas stove at no cost, ensuring sustained usage.
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana 2.0 Highlights
| Scheme | Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana 2.0 |
|---|---|
| Launch Date | August 10, 2021, in Mahoba, Uttar Pradesh |
| Objective | Provide free LPG connections to women from BPL households to promote clean cooking fuel, reduce indoor air pollution, and empower women. |
| Target Beneficiaries | Women aged 18+ from SC/ST, PMAY (Gramin), AAY, MBC, forest dwellers, island residents, SECC-listed households, and migrant workers. |
| Total Connections (as of July 2025) | Over 10.33 crore connections distributed nationwide. |
| Benefits | Free LPG connection, first refill, and gas stove; ₹300 subsidy per 14.2 kg cylinder (up to 9 refills/year in 2025-26). |
| Financial Assistance | ₹2,200 for 14.2 kg cylinder or ₹1,300 for 5 kg cylinder; ₹12,000 crore budget for subsidies in 2025-26. |
| Application Process | Online at pmuy.gov.in or offline via LPG distributors (HP Gas, Bharat Gas, Indane). |
| Year | 2025 |
PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana
Objectives of PMUY 2.0
The core objectives of PMUY 2.0 are centered on improving the quality of life for women and promoting environmental sustainability. These include:
- Eliminating Indoor Air Pollution: Traditional cooking methods release harmful pollutants like carbon monoxide and particulate matter, which contribute to respiratory illnesses. By promoting LPG usage, PMUY 2.0 reduces indoor air pollution, protecting the health of women and children.
- Empowering Women: The scheme recognizes women as the primary cooks in most Indian households. By providing them with LPG connections, it saves time, reduces physical strain, and enables women to engage in income-generating activities or education.
- Reducing Health Risks: Prolonged exposure to smoke from traditional fuels leads to chronic respiratory diseases, eye infections, and other health issues. PMUY 2.0 mitigates these risks by offering a cleaner alternative.
- Promoting Environmental Conservation: The use of firewood contributes to deforestation and air pollution. By encouraging LPG, the scheme reduces the environmental impact of traditional cooking fuels.
- Enhancing Economic Opportunities: Access to clean fuel frees up time for women, allowing them to pursue economic activities, education, or skill development, thereby contributing to household income and community development.
Eligibility Criteria for PMUY 2.0
To ensure that the benefits of PMUY 2.0 reach the most vulnerable sections of society, the scheme has specific eligibility criteria. These include:
- Applicant Requirements: The applicant must be a woman aged 18 or above. Men are not eligible to apply, emphasizing the scheme’s focus on women’s empowerment.
- Household Restrictions: No other LPG connection should exist in the same household, ensuring that the benefits are directed to households without access to clean fuel.
Targeted Categories: Eligible women must belong to one of the following categories:
- Scheduled Castes (SC) or Scheduled Tribes (ST)
- Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin) beneficiaries
- Most Backward Classes (MBC)
- Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) beneficiaries
- Tea and ex-tea garden tribes
- Forest dwellers
- People residing in islands or river islands
- Households listed under the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) or those with a 14-point declaration of poverty.
- Special Provisions for Migrants: Ujjwala 2.0 introduced a unique feature allowing migrant workers to apply with a self-declaration, eliminating the need for address proof documents. This ensures broader coverage for transient populations.
Documents Required
To apply for a free LPG connection under PMUY 2.0, applicants need to submit the following documents:
- Aadhaar Card: As proof of identity and address (not mandatory in Assam and Meghalaya).
- Ration Card: Issued by the state to certify family composition, or a self-declaration for migrant applicants.
- Bank Account Details: Aadhaar-linked bank account number and IFSC code for subsidy transfers.
- Supplementary KYC: Documents to confirm family status or eligibility under specific categories.
- Passport-Size Photo: For application processing.
Applicants must ensure that all documents are accurate and match government records to avoid delays in processing.
Application Process
The application process for PMUY 2.0 is straightforward and accessible, with options for both online and offline submissions:
Online Application:
- Visit the Official PMUY website at pmuy.gov.in.
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- Click on the link for a New Ujjwala 2.0 connection.
- Select a gas agency (HP Gas, Bharat Gas, or Indane).
- Fill in personal details, including name, mobile number, address, and area pin code.
- Upload the required documents.
- Submit the application and retain a printout for reference.
Offline Application:
- Visit an LPG distributor of choice (e.g., HP Gas, Bharat Gas, or Indane).
- Submit the application form along with the required documents.
- After verification, the distributor provides the LPG connection, cylinder, and stove
Benefits of PMUY 2.0
PMUY 2.0 offers a range of benefits that extend beyond access to clean fuel, significantly impacting health, economic, and environmental outcomes:
- Free LPG Connection: Beneficiaries receive a deposit-free LPG connection, including the cylinder, pressure regulator, LPG hose, and installation charges, with a cash assistance of Rs. 2,200 for a 14.2 kg cylinder or Rs. 1,300 for a 5 kg cylinder.
- Free First Refill and Stove: The first LPG refill and a gas stove (hotplate) are provided at no cost, encouraging immediate adoption.
- Targeted Subsidy: To make LPG affordable, the government provides a subsidy of Rs. 300 per 14.2 kg cylinder (or pro-rated for 5 kg cylinders) for up to 9 refills per year in 2025-26, with a budget allocation of Rs. 12,000 crore. This shields beneficiaries from fluctuating international LPG prices.
- Health Improvements: By reducing exposure to harmful smoke, PMUY 2.0 lowers the risk of respiratory diseases, eye infections, and other health issues, particularly for women and children.
- Women’s Empowerment: Access to clean fuel saves women time and energy, enabling them to pursue education, employment, or entrepreneurial activities, thereby enhancing their socio-economic status.
- Environmental Sustainability: The shift to LPG reduces deforestation and air pollution caused by burning biomass, contributing to a cleaner environment.
- Economic Growth: Increased LPG usage stimulates job creation in the supply chain and supports local entrepreneurship, boosting the rural economy.
Implementation and Outreach
The implementation of PMUY 2.0 involves a multi-pronged approach:
- Identification of Beneficiaries: The government uses socio-economic data, such as the SECC list, to identify eligible households, prioritizing marginalized communities.
- Distribution of Connections: Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) like Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum distribute LPG connections, ensuring accessibility even in remote areas.
- Awareness Campaigns: The government conducts campaigns to educate beneficiaries about safe LPG usage, handling, and the importance of timely refills. These initiatives are crucial for sustained adoption.
- Monitoring and Support: Regular monitoring ensures that connections are functional and subsidies are disbursed efficiently. Beneficiaries can contact distributors or the PMUY portal for support.
Impact and Achievements
As of July 2025, PMUY has achieved remarkable success, with 10.33 crore connections distributed nationwide, surpassing the initial target of 8 crore connections set in 2016. The scheme’s impact is evident in several areas:
- Health Outcomes: Studies indicate a significant reduction in respiratory illnesses among PMUY beneficiaries due to decreased exposure to indoor smoke.
- Increased LPG Consumption: The average per capita consumption of LPG among PMUY households has risen from 3 refills in 2019-20 to 4.47 refills in 2024-25, reflecting growing adoption of clean fuel.
- Women’s Empowerment: By freeing women from the drudgery of collecting firewood and cooking with inefficient fuels, PMUY has enabled millions to pursue education, vocational training, or income-generating activities.
- Environmental Benefits: The shift to LPG has reduced deforestation and carbon emissions, aligning with India’s commitment to sustainable development.
Challenges and Future Directions
Despite the remarkable success of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) 2.0, the scheme faces several challenges that require ongoing attention. One significant issue is the affordability of refills, as some below-poverty-line households struggle to cover the cost of subsequent LPG refills despite subsidies, which can hinder sustained usage. Accessibility in remote and tribal areas also poses a logistical challenge, with consistent LPG supply and distribution remaining difficult in geographically isolated regions. Additionally, awareness gaps persist, as some beneficiaries lack adequate knowledge about safe LPG usage or the subsidy schemes available, leading to underutilization of the program.
To address these issues, the government is taking proactive measures, such as expanding subsidy coverage, strengthening supply chain infrastructure, and intensifying awareness campaigns to educate beneficiaries on safe and effective LPG use. Looking ahead, future iterations of PMUY could explore integrating renewable energy solutions, such as solar cookers, to complement LPG usage in remote areas, further enhancing the scheme’s reach and sustainability while aligning with India’s broader clean energy goals.
Conclusion
The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana 2.0 stands as a beacon of hope for millions of Indian women, providing them with access to clean, safe, and efficient cooking fuel. By addressing health risks, empowering women, and promoting environmental sustainability, the scheme aligns with India’s broader goals of inclusive development and cleaner energy. With over 10 crore connections and a robust subsidy framework, PMUY 2.0 continues to transform lives, particularly in rural and marginalized communities. As the scheme evolves, it promises to further strengthen India’s journey toward a healthier, more equitable, and sustainable future.
For those eligible, applying for PMUY 2.0 is a step toward a better quality of life. Visit pmuy.gov.in or contact a local LPG distributor to join this transformative initiative.
| Official Website | Click Here |
| Maharashtra Government Scheme | Click Here |
| Central Government Scheme | Click Here |
| Join Telegram | Telegram |
FAQs: Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana 2.0
Q. What is Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana 2.0?
PMUY 2.0 is an extension of the original Ujjwala scheme launched in 2021 to provide free LPG connections to women from economically disadvantaged households. It aims to promote clean cooking fuel, reduce indoor air pollution, and empower women by offering a deposit-free LPG connection, a free first refill, and a gas stove.
Q. Who is eligible for PMUY 2.0?
Eligible applicants are women aged 18 or above from BPL households, belonging to categories like SC/ST, PMAY (Gramin), Antyodaya Anna Yojana, forest dwellers, or those listed in the SECC. The household must not have an existing LPG connection. Migrant workers can apply with a self-declaration, bypassing address proof requirements.
Q. What documents are required to apply?
Applicants need an Aadhaar card (except in Assam and Meghalaya), a ration card or self-declaration (for migrants), Aadhaar-linked bank account details, supplementary KYC documents, and a passport-size photo. Accurate documentation ensures smooth processing of the application.
Q. How can one apply for PMUY 2.0?
Applications can be submitted online at pmuy.gov.in by selecting a gas agency (HP Gas, Bharat Gas, or Indane) and uploading documents, or offline by visiting an LPG distributor with the required documents. Post-verification, the connection is provided.
Q. What benefits does PMUY 2.0 offer?
PMUY 2.0 provides a free LPG connection, including a cylinder, regulator, and hose, along with a free first refill and gas stove. Beneficiaries receive a subsidy of Rs. 300 per 14.2 kg cylinder (up to 9 refills/year in 2025-26), reducing health risks and empowering women.
Q. Is there any financial assistance for refills?
Yes, PMUY 2.0 beneficiaries receive a subsidy of Rs. 300 per 14.2 kg cylinder (or pro-rated for 5 kg cylinders) for up to 9 refills annually, credited directly to their Aadhaar-linked bank account to make refills affordable.
Q. Can migrant workers apply for PMUY 2.0?
Yes, migrant workers are eligible and can apply using a self-declaration instead of address proof, making the scheme accessible to transient populations. They must meet other eligibility criteria, such as belonging to a BPL household.
Q. What is the impact of PMUY 2.0 on health and environment?
PMUY 2.0 reduces indoor air pollution from traditional fuels, lowering the risk of respiratory diseases and eye infections. It also promotes environmental sustainability by reducing deforestation and carbon emissions caused by burning biomass.
Q. How can beneficiaries address issues with their connection?
Beneficiaries can contact their LPG distributor or visit pmuy.gov.in for support. The government and Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) provide helplines and grievance redressal mechanisms to ensure smooth functioning of the scheme.