Why this matters now
PMUY is a flagship welfare scheme linking energy access, women’s health and the environment. It is tested for its objective, beneficiaries and the Ujjwala 2.0 extension.
What is PMUY?
Launched in 2016 by the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, PMUY provides free LPG connections to adult women of poor (BPL) households. Ujjwala 2.0 (2021) expanded eligibility (including migrants) and added a free first refill and stove.
Significance
By replacing firewood, dung and coal with clean LPG, PMUY reduces household air pollution and respiratory disease (especially for women and children), saves time and drudgery, lowers deforestation, and advances women’s empowerment and dignity.
Challenges
The key challenge is sustained usage and refills — some beneficiaries revert to biomass due to the cost of refills. The government has responded with subsidies on refills for PMUY beneficiaries and awareness drives to ensure continued use.
UPSC angle
Know PMUY (free LPG to BPL women, 2016), Ujjwala 2.0, the health/environment/women rationale, and the refill-affordability challenge.
Frequently asked questions
What is PMUY?
The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana — a 2016 scheme providing free LPG connections to women of poor households for clean cooking fuel.
Who is eligible for PMUY?
Adult women from poor/BPL households; Ujjwala 2.0 widened eligibility to include migrant families.
Why is PMUY important?
It cuts household air pollution and respiratory illness, saves time, reduces deforestation and empowers women.
What is the main challenge of PMUY?
Ensuring sustained usage and affordable refills, as some beneficiaries revert to biomass fuels.