Ujjwala

Ujjwala refers to a significant initiative launched by the Indian government aimed at improving access to clean cooking fuel. The full name of the program is Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY). Its primary objective is to provide Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) connections to women from economically weaker sections of society. This initiative seeks to replace traditional cooking fuels like firewood, cow dung, and other biomass, which are not only inefficient but also pose serious health risks due to indoor air pollution.

The PMUY was launched in May 2016 with the goal of empowering women and improving their health and living conditions. Beneficiaries under the scheme receive an LPG connection with a subsidized stove and the first cylinder. The program is implemented through Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) and aims to cover all households that are not yet covered by LPG. Eligibility is primarily based on socio-economic indicators, targeting households identified through the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC).

The Ujjwala scheme has been credited with significantly increasing LPG penetration in rural and semi-urban areas of India. By providing a cleaner alternative to traditional fuels, it aims to reduce the burden of collecting firewood, particularly for women and girls, and mitigate the health hazards associated with indoor air pollution, such as respiratory diseases. The program has undergone phases of expansion to reach a wider demographic and achieve its ambitious goals of universal LPG access.