Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana

The present government introduced the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana Scheme in 2016 for the benefit of those living below the poverty line (BPL) for the availability and provision of clean cooking fuel.

What is Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana Scheme?

The Pradhan Manti Ujjwala Yojana scheme aims to make available clean fuel to those who live in BPL conditions. The poor usually use unclean cooking fuels that contain harmful elements. This scheme aims at replacing that with LPG.

According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), smoke inhaled by women from unclean fuel is equal to burning 400 cigarettes per hour.

The scheme focuses on three key areas:

a. Women empowerment

The scheme focuses on empowering women from BPL backgrounds with the provision of LPG gas so that they can make clean food available to their households. The women under BPL households usually go out to collect firewood in harmful conditions. This scheme will enable them to access safe cooking facilities at home.

b. Fighting health issues caused by unclean fuel

The poor use various other fuels that are unsuitable for cooking, which causes severe health disorders among them. The scheme aims at helping them access LPG gas to be healthy. They are usually subject to respiratory disorders due to fumes from unclean fuels.

c. Environmental protection

The fumes coming out of these unclean fuels are bad for the environment in general. The widespread usage of the same causes serious environmental issues. Curbing usage can help protect the environment.

Eligibility for Pradhan Mantri Ujjwaala Yojna

The following criteria are required to be eligible to access the benefits of the scheme-

1. Legal age

The applicant must be 18 years or above.

2. Income

The applicant must be from the BPL household. The Income of the family per month should not exceed the limits for BPL households as set by the Union Territories and State government.

3. No prior LPG connection

The applicant must not be anyone who already has an LPG connection.

4. Registered with BPL database

The applicant must be listed under the SECC-2011 data and the available information should match with the Oil marketing companies’ database.

How to Apply for Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana

The application process for the scheme is quite easy. The applicants are required to provide certain documents so that they can be listed easily for their next provision.

• The applicant has to get the form available for this category on the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana Website or with any LPG outlets in the country.
• The applicant will be required to fill in the details like name, age, Bank account details, Aadhar card number, etc.
• The applicant is required to mention the type of cylinder they require based on the needs.
• A duly filled form will have to be submitted at the closest LPG outlet.

Documents Required for Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana

• Authorised BPL certificate by the chairman of the municipality or the head of the panchayat
• Ration card for BPL households
• Identity proof like Voter ID/ Aadhar Card
• Passport size photo
• Utility bill
• Lease agreement
• House registration documents
• Bank statement

Budget Allocated to Fund the Scheme

The scheme falls under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India. For the financial year 2016-17, a budget of Rs. 2000 crore was made available. Over 1.5 crore families were benefitted.

The scheme was implemented for three years with a budget of Rs.8000 crores. Eligible households will receive Rs. 1600 support every month under the name of the female head of the house.

Employment Opportunities

The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana is likely to provide employment to around 1 lakh and business opportunities worth at least Rs. 10 crores over the span of time. Make in India campaign is to be highly benefited with this scheme with the promotion of gas stove, regulators, etc.

Recent Update

The Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana Scheme was launched by the Government of India to face the economic challenges the poor far due to the Covid-19 slowdown. Under this scheme, the beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwaala Yojana will be provided with 3 LPG gas cylinders per household for April, May and June 2020. These cylinders will be provided free of cost.

Conclusion

The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana will have a major impact during these trying times. The people living under BPL conditions will be able to get free access to LPG cylinders to help them get through the lockdown situation in the country due to Coronavirus. At least 8 crore people are expected to be benefited from this scheme.