 |
| Image create©️ Md Karim Didar |
Where millions of rural women still depend on firewood and traditional stoves to cook meals, ensuring access to clean fuel isn’t just a matter of convenience—it’s about health, dignity, and safety. To address this critical issue, the Government of India launched the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) back in May 2016, and since then, it has brought a silent yet powerful revolution in Indian kitchens.
As we enter 2025, the government has reopened new registrations for the Ujjwala scheme with an expanded vision. If you're a woman from an economically weaker background and still don’t have a gas connection, this could be your opportunity to get one for free with added benefits.
What Is PM Ujjwala Yojana and Why Was It Launched?
The main objective of the Ujjwala scheme is to provide clean and safe cooking fuel to poor households, especially in rural India. Before this initiative, crores of women had no choice but to use firewood, cow dung, or coal for cooking leading to constant exposure to smoke and fumes, which caused serious breathing and eye problems over time.
By offering free LPG gas connections, the scheme not only reduces health risks but also saves time and effort that women earlier spent collecting firewood. It’s about giving women a healthier life and more dignity inside their homes.
How Successful Has the Scheme Been So Far?
Since its launch, the Ujjwala Yojana has transformed over 10 crore households, many of them in remote villages where LPG cylinders were once unheard of. Today, thanks to this scheme, millions of women cook in smoke-free kitchens improving both family health and quality of life.
It's more than a welfare scheme. It’s a social shift that has empowered women, improved public health, and even helped reduce environmental damage.
Registrations for 2025 Are Now Open
The government has now started accepting new applications under PM Ujjwala Yojana for 2025. If your family still cooks with wood or cow dung and doesn't have an LPG connection, this is the right time to apply.
The registration process is simple, and you don’t need to visit offices or stand in long queues. You can apply online or go through your nearest gas agency.
How to Apply Online
1. Visit the official website: pmuy.gov.in2. Click on “Apply for New Ujjwala 2.0 Connection”3. Choose your preferred gas company: Indane, Bharat Gas, or HP Gas4. Fill in your name, address, Aadhaar number, mobile number, ration card details, etc.5. Submit the applicationYou’ll receive updates through SMS or phone call. Once approved, the gas connection will be installed at your home.
Offline Application
If you're not comfortable with the online method, you can visit your nearest gas agency. Ask for the PM Ujjwala Yojana form, fill it out, attach the necessary documents, and submit it. The process is transparent and quick.
Key Benefits of PM Ujjwala Yojana
The Ujjwala scheme is not just about free gas cylinders it offers a full package to help poor families switch to LPG cooking.
Special festive offers: In some states like Uttar Pradesh, women receive free cylinders during festivals like Diwali or Holi
These benefits have made daily cooking easier and healthier for millions of women, especially those who previously couldn’t afford LPG.
Eligibility Criteria for the Scheme
To apply under the Ujjwala Yojana, you must meet these basic conditions
Must be a woman
Must be 18 years or older
Must belong to a BPL (Below Poverty Line) household
Should not already have an LPG connection in the household
Must be an Indian citizen
Documents Required
Keep the following documents ready for registration:
Aadhaar card
Ration card
Proof of address (like voter ID or electricity bill)
Bank account details (for subsidy transfer)
Passport-size photograph
e-KYC Is Mandatory for Subsidy
If you've already received a connection under Ujjwala Yojana, it's very important to complete your e-KYC. Without this step, you may stop receiving subsidies.
What is e-KYC?
It’s the process of linking your Aadhaar with your bank account and gas connection. You can do this:
By visiting your gas agency
Or using the Indian Oil ONE app (available on mobile phones)
If you skip this step, your subsidy might get blocked. So don’t delay complete your e-KYC on time.
What’s New in 2025?
In 2025, the government aims to expand the scheme even further to reach
Urban poor families
Migrant workers
Households in remote tribal or mountain regions
Also, local awareness campaigns will be conducted to help more women apply. The goal is to make sure no eligible woman is left behind.
Why This Scheme Matters
The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana is more than a welfare project. It has changed how millions of families live and eat. A kitchen without smoke is a kitchen with dignity. Women no longer need to step out to collect firewood. Children breathe cleaner air. Cooking takes less time and effort.
Most importantly, women feel empowered and respected and that makes a real difference.
Step Toward a Cleaner, Healthier India
The Ujjwala scheme is not just a scheme it’s a new beginning for many poor households. It shows what can happen when policy focuses on real-life issues. If you or someone you know still doesn’t have a gas connection, don’t wait.
Apply today and give your family a cleaner, safer kitchen. In today’s world, having LPG is not a luxury it’s a basic right. And through the Ujjwala Yojana, that right is now within reach for every woman in India.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. The terms, eligibility, and procedures mentioned above may change as per government updates. Always consult your nearest gas agency or visit the official website pmuy.gov.in for the most accurate and current information.
