Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana: Free LPG Connections for BPL Families

Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) is the Government of India’s flagship scheme to provide free LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) connections to women from Below Poverty Line (BPL) households. Launched in 2016, it addressed one of the most significant indoor air pollution crises in India caused by solid biomass cooking fuels (wood, cow dung, crop residue).

Key Features

• Free connection: Zero deposit LPG connection provided to eligible women beneficiaries.
• Deposit-free cylinder: First gas cylinder and pressure regulator provided free of cost.
• Loan for first refill: The first refill cost can be taken as a loan and repaid through future cooking subsidy adjustments.

Ujjwala 2.0 — Expanded Coverage

In 2021, Ujjwala 2.0 was launched to extend coverage to migrants and others without proof of permanent residence. Under 2.0, a self-declaration of one’s address is sufficient — no formal documentation of residence is needed, making it accessible to migrant workers and homeless women.

Eligibility

• Women aged 18 years or above.
• Must belong to SC/ST households, PMAY beneficiaries, Antyodaya Anna Yojana households, forest dwellers, most backward classes, or islands/rivers residents.
• Should not already have an LPG connection in the household.

How to Apply

Apply at the nearest LPG distributor (Indian Oil, Bharat Gas, HP Gas) with your Aadhaar card and bank account details. Online applications can be submitted at pmuy.gov.in.