The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) is a social welfare scheme launched by the Government of India in May 2016. Its objective is to provide free LPG connections to women belonging to economically weaker sections of the society. The scheme aims to empower women by reducing their dependency on traditional fuels like firewood, coal, and dung, which have adverse health effects and contribute to environmental degradation. The scheme has been successful in providing LPG connections to millions of women across the country, bringing about a significant transformation in their lives.
Since its launch, the PMUY has been implemented in all states and Union Territories of India. However, some states have performed better than others in terms of the distribution of LPG connections under the scheme. According to government data, the top 5 states to have received the most LPG connections under the scheme are Uttar Pradesh (46 lakh), West Bengal (19 lakh), Bihar (19 lakh), Madhya Pradesh (17 lakh), and Rajasthan (14 lakh). These states constitute 75% of the total connections released by the government under PMUY.
Among these states, Uttar Pradeshhas distributed the highest number of free LPG connections under the PMUY scheme. As of the date, the state has distributed 46 lakh connections, which is the highest among all states. This is a significant achievement, considering that Uttar Pradesh is the most populous state in India, with a population of over 240 million. The state government has implemented the scheme effectively, reaching out to women in rural areas who have been traditionally dependent on firewood and other traditional fuels for cooking.
The success of the PMUY scheme in Uttar Pradesh can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the state government has taken proactive steps to raise awareness about the benefits of LPG as a clean and safe fuel for cooking. It has launched a massive campaign to promote the scheme, targeting women in rural areas through various media channels. The government has also set up LPG distribution centers in remote areas, making it easier for women to access the fuel.
Secondly, the state government has made the scheme accessible to women from all economic backgrounds. Under the PMUY scheme, women from below poverty line (BPL) households are eligible for a free LPG connection. However, the government has extended the scheme to cover women from above poverty line (APL) households as well, albeit at a higher cost. This has made the scheme more inclusive and has resulted in a higher uptake of LPG connections in the state.
Lastly, the state government has been proactive in addressing the challenges that arise from the distribution of LPG connections. For instance, it has set up a grievance redressal mechanism to address complaints and issues faced by beneficiaries. It has also provided training to LPG distributors to ensure that they are equipped to handle the increased demand for LPG connections.
