Dasara Festive Gift for Women: Government Expands Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana with 25 Lakh Free LPG Connections

As the nation celebrates the vibrant festival of Dasara Navratri, the Government of India has announced a major welfare initiative aimed at empowering women. In a significant move, the central government has approved 25 lakh additional free LPG connections under the flagship Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY). This expansion is expected to directly benefit millions of economically weaker women, particularly from rural and semi-urban areas, by ensuring access to clean cooking fuel.

With this announcement, the total number of Ujjwala beneficiaries will rise to over 105.8 million households, according to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. The scheme, which was first launched in 2016, has already transformed the lives of millions of families, and this new allocation strengthens the government’s commitment to women’s welfare, public health, and environmental protection.

Why This Scheme Matters

Cooking in many Indian households, especially in villages, has traditionally been done using firewood, coal, or dung cakes. While these fuels are cheap and readily available, they release harmful smoke that leads to serious health problems like respiratory infections, eye irritation, and even long-term lung diseases. Women and children are the most vulnerable since they spend the most time near the cooking area.

The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana was designed to address these issues. By providing free LPG connections, the scheme reduces health risks, saves cooking time, and improves the quality of life for women. Moreover, it also promotes environmental conservation by reducing dependence on polluting fuels.

Financial Outlay for the New Expansion

The government has allocated ₹676 crore for the newly announced 25 lakh deposit-free LPG connections. Out of this, around ₹512.5 crore will be used for covering connection costs (₹2,050 per connection), and another ₹160 crore has been earmarked to provide subsidies.

Beneficiaries will also be entitled to a ₹300 subsidy per 14.2 kg LPG cylinder, up to a maximum of nine cylinders per household per year. This subsidy is particularly crucial for rural families, where affordability remains a key concern.

Benefits for Beneficiaries

One of the most striking features of PMUY is that beneficiaries are not only provided with the gas connection but also with all the essential equipment needed to begin cooking. This includes:

• LPG cylinder
• Regulator
• Safety hose
• Consumer card
• Installation charges

Additionally, new beneficiaries also receive a first refill and a free gas stove. By covering these upfront costs, the government ensures that households can immediately shift from traditional fuels to LPG without financial barriers.

This approach directly reduces household expenditure on health treatment caused by smoke-related illnesses, while also giving women more time for other productive activities.

Application Process Made Simple

Women who wish to benefit from this scheme can apply by submitting a simple KYC (Know Your Customer) form along with necessary identity and address documents. Applications can be submitted online or at the nearest government-authorized LPG distribution center.

Once verified, the eligible applicant is provided with a new LPG connection. For new applicants, the government has introduced an eKYC process that is quick, transparent, and user-friendly, ensuring that no deserving household faces unnecessary delays.

Journey of Ujjwala Yojana

The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana was first launched in May 2016, with an ambitious target of providing 80 million free LPG connections to women belonging to Below Poverty Line (BPL) families. Remarkably, this target was achieved by September 2019.

Encouraged by its success, the government launched Ujjwala 2.0 in August 2021, under which an additional 10 million LPG connections were distributed by January 2022.

Over the years, PMUY has not only helped improve health conditions but has also contributed to gender empowerment by recognizing women as primary beneficiaries and account holders for the connections.

Government’s Message on Navratri

Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, while announcing the scheme’s expansion, highlighted its symbolic significance. He said, “On the auspicious occasion of Navratri, providing 25 lakh additional LPG connections reflects the government’s commitment to women’s dignity and empowerment. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision is to treat every woman with the respect and strength associated with Goddess Durga.”

This statement underlines the government’s long-term vision of placing women at the center of national development.

Long-Term Impact of the Scheme

The Ujjwala Yojana is not just about fuel distribution—it is a step towards social transformation. Its long-term impacts include:

1. Improved Health – Reduction in respiratory diseases and indoor pollution-related illnesses.
2. Time-Saving – Women spend less time collecting firewood, giving them more opportunities for education, self-employment, and community participation.
3. Environmental Gains – Reduced dependence on firewood helps decrease deforestation and improve air quality.
4. Women’s Empowerment – Recognizing women as the owners of LPG connections strengthens their role in decision-making within households.

Why Women Should Apply Immediately

The government’s announcement during Navratri serves as both a festive gift and a call to action. Eligible women should not delay their applications, as this scheme can bring immediate and long-term benefits to their families. From improved health to financial savings and from environmental safety to empowerment, the Ujjwala Yojana stands as one of India’s most impactful welfare programs.

By applying today, women can secure a free LPG connection that ensures their family’s well-being, reduces daily struggles, and opens doors to a cleaner, healthier lifestyle.

📑 Documents Required for Applying to the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana

Women who wish to apply for a free LPG connection under the Ujjwala Yojana need to submit the following documents:

1. Aadhaar Card – As proof of identity.
2. Ration Card / BPL Card – To prove economic eligibility (below poverty line family).
3. Bank Passbook / Account Number – For subsidy transfer directly into the beneficiary’s bank account.
4. Residential Proof (Address Proof) – To verify residence (Aadhaar, electricity bill, water bill, etc.).
5. Passport-size Photograph – For LPG consumer card records.
6. Declaration Form – To confirm that no other LPG connection exists in the household.
7. KYC Form – Available at the LPG distributor’s office; mandatory for application.

📌 Additional Guidelines

• The applicant must be a woman (above 18 years of age).
• The household should not have any existing LPG connection.
• All documents must be submitted as self-attested copies.
• For eKYC verification, Aadhaar OTP or biometric authentication is mandatory.

Application Link

Conclusion

The expansion of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana with 25 lakh new connections is more than just a policy announcement—it is a celebration of women’s dignity, health, and empowerment. Launched in 2016, the scheme has already transformed millions of households, and this new boost reinforces the government’s commitment to inclusive growth.

As India moves towards becoming a cleaner and healthier nation, Ujjwala Yojana remains a cornerstone initiative. For families still dependent on traditional fuels, this is the perfect moment to embrace the future with clean energy.

So, if you or someone you know is eligible, take this step today. A free LPG connection under Ujjwala is not just a gas cylinder—it’s a promise of health, dignity, and empowerment.