PM UJJWALA YOJANA - GOVERNANCE

News: Cabinet approves continuation of Rs.300 targeted subsidy to PM Ujjwala Yojana Consumers

 

What's in the news?

       The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi approved the continuation of targeted subsidy of Rs.300 per 14.2 kg cylinder (and proportionately pro-rated for 5 kg cylinder) for up to 12 refills per year to be provided to the beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) during FY 2024-25.

 

Key takeaways:

       As on 1st March, 2024 there are more than 10.27 crore PMUY beneficiaries.

 

PM Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY):

       It was launched in 2016.

       It aims to provide clean cooking fuel, Ujjwala, to rural and deprived households.

 

Nodal Ministry - Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas

 

Features:

       Applicants have the option to apply for the scheme both online and offline.

       The target set was to provide 8 Crore LPG connections to deprived households by March 2020.

 

Eligibility under PMUY:

       A woman of adult age from an economically disadvantaged household, lacking access to a Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) connection in her residence, would meet the eligibility criteria. Eligible according to Socio Economic and Caste Census (SECC) 2011 such as

       Member of SC/ST households.

       Recipient of benefits under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) and Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY).

       Identified as forest dwellers.

       Belongs to Most Backward Classes

       Resident of river islands (Supporting documents required).

       If not falling into the above categories, eligible for benefits under Poor household categories by submitting a 14-point declaration.

 

Ujjwala 2.0:

       The Prime Minister initiated the second phase of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, also known as Ujjwala 2.0, in August 2021.

 

Features:

       It aims to extend coverage to an additional 10 million beneficiaries, as announced in the Union Budget 2021-22.

       The scheme has been expanded to provide an additional 1 Crore LPG connections, with a special focus on migrant families.

       Migrant workers can obtain a free cooking gas connection through self-declaration, eliminating the need for documents such as address proof.

       It targets low-income families who were not covered in the first phase of PMUY, offering deposit-free LPG connections.

       Beneficiaries will receive a stove free of cost along with the connection.

       While the first gas cylinder is provided free of charge, consumers are required to pay for subsequent cylinders.

       The government offers cash assistance of Rs 1,600 for a PMUY connection.