Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana is a government initiative aimed at providing free gas connections to women from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The scheme helps women live a smoke-free, healthier, and more convenient life by offering them the benefits of LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) instead of traditional cooking methods that involve harmful fuels.

Overview of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana

Launched in 2014, the primary objective of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana is to provide free LPG gas connections to women in economically weaker sections of the society. This initiative is designed to improve the health of women by eliminating the harmful effects of smoke from traditional stoves, particularly in rural India.

Key Features of the Scheme:

• Free Gas Connections: Women from economically weaker families are given free LPG gas connections.
• Health Benefits: The initiative aims to protect women from health issues caused by cooking with traditional stoves and open fires.
• Expansion of the Scheme: Over the years, millions of women have benefited from the scheme, and women whose applications were previously rejected are now being given another chance to apply.

Eligibility Criteria for Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana:

To apply for the scheme, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Indian Women Only: The scheme is available only to Indian women.
• Income Requirement: The family's monthly income should be ₹10,000 or less.
• Age Requirement: Applicants must be between 18 to 60 years of age.
• No Previous Gas Connection: The woman applying should not already have an LPG gas connection.

Required Documents for the Application:

• Aadhaar Card
• Bank Passbook
• Identity Proof
• Ration Card
• Income Certificate
• Residence Proof
• SAMAGRA ID
• Passport Size Photo
• Mobile Number

Subsidy under the Scheme:

The scheme offers a subsidy on the LPG cylinder. When a woman refills her gas cylinder for the first time, an amount ranging from ₹300 to ₹400 is directly transferred to her bank account, offering relief from the rising costs of gas.

Objectives of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana:

• Providing Free Gas Connections: Offering free LPG connections to women from poor families.
• Protecting Women's Health: Reducing the health risks posed by the smoke from traditional cooking methods.
• Promoting Clean Fuel Use: Encouraging the use of clean cooking fuel and improving the health of women.
• Empowering Rural Women: Empowering women in rural areas by providing modern kitchen facilities.

Application Process for Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana:

To apply for the scheme, follow these steps:

1. Download the Application Form: Obtain the application form from the official website or your nearest gas agency.
2. Fill in the Details: Complete the form with accurate information and attach the required documents.
3. Submit the Form: Paste a passport-size photo and submit the form at the nearest gas agency.
4. Verification: After the verification of documents, the gas connection will be issued within 15 days.

Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana continues to empower women by providing them with access to cleaner and healthier cooking methods, ensuring a better quality of life for millions of families across India.