Big News on PM Ujjwala Yojana! 25 Lakh New Free LPG Connections Announced During Festivals, Know How to apply
PM Ujjwala Yojana: The central government has announced that an additional 2.5 million new cooking gas connections will be provided under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana. This is a significant gift for the women of the country during the festive season. This announcement by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas will greatly benefit families who do not yet have access to cooking gas and still rely on traditional stoves. According to the central government, these 2.5 million LPG connections will be distributed within the current financial year, increasing the total number of beneficiaries under the PM Ujjwala Yojana to 105 million.
Project Cost and Benefits
The total cost to the central government for providing these new gas connections will be ₹676 crore. Out of this, ₹512.5 crore will be spent on providing 2.5 million deposit-free cooking gas connections, meaning the government will spend ₹2050 per connection. The remaining ₹160 crore will be used for subsidies.
What benefits do beneficiaries get under the Ujjwala Yojana?
- A new LPG cylinder connection without any deposit.
- A pressure regulator, safety hose, and a domestic gas consumer card booklet.
- The stove and the first cylinder are also provided free of cost.
- Beneficiaries can choose between a 14.2 kg single, 5 kg single, or 5 kg double connection based on their needs.
- Under this scheme, 9 refills are available per year, with a subsidy of ₹300 for each 14.2 kg LPG cylinder.
Launch of the Ujjwala Yojana
For context, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Ujjwala Yojana on May 1, 2016, in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh. In the first phase, 50 million connections were provided, and the number is now set to cross the 100 million beneficiary mark.
Documents Required for Application
To get a free gas connection under the Ujjwala Yojana, the following documents are required:
- Aadhaar Card
- Proof of residence
- Ration Card
- Utility bill (electricity, water, or gas) in the applicant’s name
- Residency certificate or passport
- Bank passbook or bank statement (with IFSC code)
- Below Poverty Line (BPL) certificate or Antyodaya card
- Certificate issued by the Social Welfare Department
- Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe certificate
- Passport-sized photograph
- Birth certificate or proof of age
- A self-declaration stating that there is no existing LPG connection in the household.
This scheme plays a crucial role in improving the quality of life and protecting the health of millions of women across the country.
