The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) is a flagship scheme launched by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on 1st May 2016. Its primary goal is to provide clean cooking fuel (LPG connections) to women from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families. With a government-supported subsidy of Rs. 1,600 per LPG connection, the scheme targets underprivileged households across India, especially in rural areas.

It also supports recipients with interest-free loans to purchase LPG stoves and the first cylinder refill. Over the years, the scheme has expanded to include millions of beneficiaries and new features through PMUY 2.0.

Summary Table

Objectives of the Scheme

• To reduce dependence on unsafe cooking practices like firewood and cow dung.

• To empower women in BPL families with clean energy.

• To improve health conditions by reducing indoor air pollution.

• To promote environmental sustainability.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the PMUY scheme, the applicant must:

• Be a woman aged 18 years or above.

• Belong to a BPL family.

• Have no existing LPG connection in the household.

• Be listed under SECC 2011 or any of the following categories:

  • SC/ST households

  • Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin)

  • Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY)

  • Most Backward Classes (MBC)

  • Tea and Ex-Tea Garden Tribes

  • Forest Dwellers

  • Individuals residing in river islands

Required Documents

Applicants need to submit the following:

• BPL Certificate from Panchayat/Municipality

• SECC 2011 inclusion proof or category certificate

• Aadhaar Card (of all family members)

• BPL Ration Card

• Bank Passbook / Jan Dhan account details

• Photo ID proof

• Address proof

• Passport-size photograph

• 14-point self-declaration (prescribed format)

Application Process: How to Apply

Step 1: Obtain application form from nearest LPG distributor or download from www.pmuy.gov.in

Step 2: Fill the form with correct details and attach required documents.

Step 3: Submit it to the nearest LPG distributor’s office.

Step 4: The oil marketing company will verify eligibility and documents. On approval, a new LPG connection will be issued in the woman’s name.

How to Download KYC Form and Check Name in List

• Visit the official portal: www.pmuy.gov.in

• Click on “KYC Application Form” to download

• To check if your name is listed:

  • Click on ‘New List’

  • Download and search for your name

PMUY 2.0 – Updated Scheme Features

Key Features:

• Extended eligibility to cover more socio-economically disadvantaged groups.

• No requirement for address proof if staying in rental accommodation.

• Free first refill and free stove under certain conditions.

Additional Eligibility in PMUY 2.0:

• No existing LPG connection from another oil company.

• Must be a woman aged 18+ from eligible socio-economic backgrounds (SC/ST, AAY, MBC, etc.).

State-wise Connections (as of September 7, 2019)

Budget Allocation and Financial Structure

• Initial Budget (2016–17): Rs. 2,000 crore.

• Overall Allocation: Rs. 8,000 crore over 3 years.

• Each eligible household: Receives Rs. 1,600 for connection.

• Funding Support: Includes contributions from the “Give-It-Up” subsidy movement.

• EMI Option: Available for stove and cylinder refill expenses.

PMUY LPG Panchayat Events

The Government conducts “LPG Panchayat” events across rural India where:

• Beneficiaries interact with the Prime Minister.

• Information about PMUY benefits, usage safety, and maintenance is shared.

• Women share feedback and challenges.

• Awareness is spread in hard-to-reach regions.

Notably, on 28 May 2018, PM Modi interacted with PMUY beneficiaries via video conferencing, highlighting how the scheme has empowered women and improved household health.

For more information or to apply, visit: www.pmuy.gov.in or call 1800 266 6696 / 1906.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Are the PMUY scheme guidelines officially notified?

Yes, they are officially notified by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.

Q2. How do I check my eligibility?

Eligibility is determined via SECC 2011 data or if the woman belongs to one of the eligible social categories.

Q3. Can I buy a stove from outside and still claim benefits?

Yes, as long as it is an ISI-certified stove.

Q4. Will I have to pay for accessories like hose pipe or installation?

No. The government reimburses up to Rs. 1,600 for connection costs, including hose pipe, DGCC book, and installation.

Q5. My mother applied but passed away. Can I still claim the benefit?

Yes. Immediate female family members can claim the connection if they meet the required conditions.

Conclusion

The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana stands as a transformative initiative aiming to promote clean fuel access in India’s rural and marginalized sections. With over 8 crore connections distributed and more underway, the scheme not only uplifts health standards but also empowers women by granting them energy independence. Through continuous updates and support mechanisms like PMUY 2.0 and LPG Panchayats, the government is working to make clean cooking fuel a basic right, not a luxury.