
This content was recently updated by Sudhir Singh on May 1, 2025 to improve accuracy.
In many rural and low-income households, women continue to rely on firewood, cow dung, and coal for cooking. This not only poses health risks due to indoor air pollution but also consumes significant time and effort in collecting these fuels.
According to WHO estimates, about 5 lakh deaths in India alone are due to unclean cooking fuels.
Recognizing this, the Indian government launched the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) to provide free LPG connections to women from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families, aiming to promote clean cooking fuel usage.
What is the Ujjwala Yojana?
The scheme was launched on 1st May 2016 in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh The target under the scheme was to release 8 crore LPG connections to the deprived households by March 2020.
The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) is a government initiative that offers free LPG connections to women from BPL households.
The scheme covers the cost of the LPG connection, including the security deposit for the cylinder, pressure regulator, hose, and the first refill. Additionally, beneficiaries receive a free LPG stove.
This initiative aims to reduce health hazards associated with traditional cooking methods and empower women by providing them with access to clean cooking fuel.
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the extension of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) for the release of 75 lakh LPG connections over three years from Financial Year 2023-24 to 2025-26. Provisioning of 75 lakh additional Ujjwala connections will take the total number of PMUY beneficiaries to 10.35 crore.
Women’s ease of living through clean cooking According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 2.4 billion people worldwide (which is around one-third of the global population) rely on open fires or inefficient stoves fueled by kerosene, biomass (such as wood, animal dung, and crop waste), and coal for cooking.
What are the eligibility criteria for the PM Ujjwala Yojana 2025?
To be an eligible household for the Ujjwala Yojana 2025, you must meet the following criteria:
- The applicant must be a woman aged 18 years or above.
- The household should not have any existing LPG connection.
- Target Beneficiary:
- Women from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families:
- Identified using the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 data.
- Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) households,
- Beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin),
- Individuals under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY),
- Forest dwellers
- Most Backward Classes (MBC) Tea and
- ex-tea garden tribes,
- Residents of river islands
- The applicant must possess a valid Aadhaar card and a bank account.
- To be eligible for the subsidy amount, the female applicant must hold a savings account in any nationalized bank in the nation.
Documents Required for Application
Applicants need to submit the following documents:
- Aadhaar Card as proof of identity and address
- Ration card or any other state-issued document certifying family composition.
- Bank account details, including account number and IFSC code.
- Passport-sized photographs.
- Know Your Customer (KYC) form.
- Self-declaration for migrants, if applicable.
How to Apply for Ujjwala Yojana 2025
Applicants can apply for the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana through both online and offline modes:
Online Application:
- Visit the official PMUY website: https://pmuy.gov.in/ujjwala2.html.
- Click on “Apply for New Ujjwala 2.0 Connection.”
- Fill in the required details, including personal information and bank account details, and select the preferred LPG distributor.
- Upload the necessary documents.
- Submit the application form online.
Offline Application:
- Collect the application form from the nearest LPG distributor or download it from the official PMUY website.
- Fill in the form with accurate details.
- Attach the required documents.
- Submit the completed form and documents to the nearest LPG distributor.
Benefits of the Ujjwala Yojana
The Ujjwala Yojana offers several benefits to eligible beneficiaries:
- Free LPG gas connection, including the security deposit for the cylinder, pressure regulator, and hose.
- Free first LPG refill.
- Free LPG stove.
- Reduction in health risks associated with traditional cooking fuels.
- Time-saving and convenience in cooking.
- Empowerment of women by improving their health and reducing their workload.
How to Check Your Application Status
After applying for the Ujjwala Yojana, it’s important to track your application status to ensure timely processing.
Online Method:
- Visit the official PMUY website: https://pmuy.gov.in.
- Click on the “Check Status” option.
- Enter your registration number or mobile number linked to the application.
- Submit the details to view your application status.
Offline Method:
- Call the Ujjwala Helpline at 1800-266-6696 or the toll-free number 1800-233-3555.
- Provide your application details to the customer service representative to get the status update.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Application
To ensure a smooth application process, be cautious of the following common errors:
- Incomplete Documentation: Ensure all required documents are submitted. Missing documents can delay or reject your application.
- Incorrect Information: Double-check all personal and bank details for accuracy.
- Duplicate Applications: Submitting multiple applications can lead to confusion and delays.
- Unverified Aadhaar: Ensure your Aadhaar is linked to your bank account for subsidy transfers.
- Ignoring Follow-ups: Regularly check your application status and respond promptly to any queries from the authorities.
15 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
1. I belong to a poor household. Am I eligible for the Ujjwala Yojana?
Adult women from BPL households without an existing LPG connection are eligible.
2. What documents are required for the application?
Aadhaar card, BPL certificate, bank account details, and a passport-sized photograph.
3. Is there any cost involved in getting the LPG connection?
No, the LPG connection, including the first refill and stove, is provided free of cost.
4. How can I apply for the Ujjwala Yojana?
You can apply online through https://pmuy.gov.in or offline at your nearest LPG distributor.
5. Can I choose the LPG distributor?
Yes, applicants can select their preferred LPG distributor during the application process.
6. How long does it take to get the connection after the application?
Typically, it takes 10-15 days after document verification to receive the connection.
7. How do I check my application status?
Visit https://pmuy.gov.in and use the “Check Status” option or call the helpline numbers provided.
8. What if my application is rejected?
You can reapply after addressing the reasons for rejection, such as submitting missing documents.
9. Is the subsidy credited directly to my bank account?
Yes, the subsidy amount is transferred directly to the bank account linked with your Aadhaar.
10. Can I transfer my LPG connection if I move to a different location?
Yes, LPG connections can be transferred to a new location through the respective LPG distributor.
11. What should I do if I lose my LPG connection documents?
Contact your LPG distributor to get duplicate copies of your documents.
12. Are there any safety guidelines provided with the LPG connection?
Yes, safety instructions and demonstrations are provided during the installation of the LPG connection.
13. Can I apply for multiple connections under the Ujjwala Yojana?
No, only one connection per household is allowed under the scheme.
14. Is there any validity period for the Ujjwala Yojana application?
There is no specific validity period, but it’s advisable to apply as early as possible to avail the benefits.
15. Where can I get more information or assistance regarding the Ujjwala Yojana?
You can visit https://pmuy.gov.in or call the helpline numbers: 1800-266-6696 / 1800-233-3555.