Ujjwala Yojana: A special gift from the Modi government for the festive season, so many lakh women will receive free LPG connections under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana.
The Modi government has announced a major festive season gift for women under the flagship Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY). On the auspicious occasion of Navratri, the government confirmed that 25 lakh women will receive free LPG connections during the financial year 2025–26. With this expansion, the total number of households covered under the scheme will rise to nearly 10.58 crore across India.
Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, described this initiative as a special tribute to women during Navratri. He highlighted that the decision reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s deep commitment to women’s empowerment, symbolically honoring them as embodiments of Goddess Durga.
The Ujjwala Yojana, launched in 2016, has transformed kitchens across the nation by reducing dependence on firewood and kerosene, both of which are harmful to health. Puri noted that the scheme has not only made homes smoke-free but has also brought “unprecedented improvement” in the health, safety, and dignity of millions of women.
For this expansion, the government has sanctioned ₹676 crore, of which ₹512.5 crore will be used to provide 25 lakh deposit-free LPG connections. Each connection is valued at around ₹2,050 and includes a gas cylinder, regulator, hose pipe, installation, and an instruction booklet.
Importantly, beneficiaries will also receive the first LPG cylinder and a cooking stove completely free of cost, ensuring that households can immediately begin using clean fuel without additional expenses.
Eligible women from economically weaker and marginalized sections can apply for the scheme either online or by visiting their nearest LPG distributor’s office with KYC documents and identity proof. To ensure transparency, state-run oil marketing companies monitor the entire process digitally, reducing the risk of irregularities or delays.
Apart from free connections, the government has also approved a subsidy of ₹300 per cylinder for over 10.33 crore beneficiaries under Ujjwala Yojana. This reduces the effective cost of a domestic LPG cylinder to around ₹553, making clean cooking fuel more affordable and competitive at a global level.
This subsidy ensures that low-income families are not only able to access LPG connections but also afford refills regularly, preventing a return to polluting traditional fuels.
Since its launch, the scheme has been a game-changer in rural India. Millions of women, who once struggled with smoke-filled kitchens, now cook in healthier environments. The program has also contributed to:
Health Benefits: Reduction in respiratory diseases caused by indoor air pollution.
Time Savings: Women spend less time collecting firewood, allowing them to pursue education or income-generating activities.
Women’s Empowerment: Access to modern cooking fuel enhances dignity and quality of life.
Environmental Gains: Reduced deforestation and lower carbon emissions.
Policy experts believe that linking the scheme’s expansion with the festive season is not just symbolic but also practical. Festivals typically see higher LPG demand, and providing new connections ensures families can celebrate with ease. Moreover, government support for both connection costs and refill subsidies strengthens the long-term sustainability of the program.
The announcement of 2.5 million free LPG connections under the Ujjwala Yojana during Navratri is a significant step toward inclusive growth and women’s empowerment. Backed by financial support and digital monitoring, the scheme continues to uplift millions of families, bridging the gap between rural households and modern amenities.
As the festive season begins, this initiative stands out as both a symbolic gesture of respect towards women and a practical effort to improve their health, safety, and financial well-being. With over 10 crore households already benefiting, Ujjwala Yojana reaffirms its role as one of the most impactful social welfare programs in India’s recent history.
