Continuation of Rs 300 Targeted Subsidy to PM Ujjwala Yojana Consumers Approved
The Union Cabinet, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given the green light to extend the targeted subsidy of Rs 300 to PM Ujjwala Yojana Consumers until March 2025. Union Minister Piyush Goyal, during a media briefing today, revealed the Cabinet’s decision. This move is expected to benefit 10.27 million PMUY beneficiaries, who will receive subsidies on 12 cylinders per year directly in their accounts. The total expenditure for the fiscal year 2024-25 is estimated to be Rs 12,000 crore.
Understanding the Ujjwala Scheme
The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) was initiated in 2016 with the primary objective of providing Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) connections to five crore women belonging to below-poverty-line (BPL) households in its initial phase. Over time, the scheme has been expanded to encompass women beneficiaries from seven additional categories, including SC/ST, PMAY, AAY, among others. In its second phase, the target was expanded to cover eight crore LPG connections.
Under the scheme, the government provides a cash subsidy of Rs 1600 for every new gas connection with a 14.2 kg cylinder to eligible candidates. For a 5 kg cylinder, the subsidy amount is Rs 1150. This subsidy covers various expenses such as security deposit for the cylinder, regulator, LPG hose, domestic gas consumer card, and installation charges.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for PMUY include:
| Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Adult Woman | Age 18 or older |
| Scheduled Caste/Tribe | Belongs to SC/ST category |
| Most Backward Classes | Belongs to one of the Most Backward Classes |
| Forest Dweller | Resides in forest areas |
| PMAY Beneficiary | Eligible for rural housing subsidies under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin) |
| AAY Beneficiary | Eligible for food subsidies under Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) |
| Tea Garden Worker | Works or used to work in tea gardens |
| Island Resident | Resides in islands or river islands |
| SECC Household | Belongs to one of the SECC Households (AHL TIN) |
| Poverty Criteria | From a poor household as per the 14-point declaration |
How to Apply
Applying for Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana is a simple process. Eligible candidates can apply either online or offline:
- Offline: Fill out and submit the application form at the nearest LPG distribution agency.
- Online: Visit the official website pmujjwalayojana.com, download the application form, and submit it at the nearest LPG center.
Notably, migrants are not required to submit ration cards or address proof for enrollment. A self-declaration suffices for both family declaration and proof of address.
With the extension of the targeted subsidy, PM Ujjwala Yojana continues to empower women from economically disadvantaged backgrounds by facilitating access to clean cooking fuel, thereby improving their health and quality of life.