Ujjwala Yojana Explained: How to Apply for Free LPG Connection and Check Eligibility

The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) is one of India’s most impactful social welfare schemes, launched by the Government of India in May 2016. The initiative aims to provide clean cooking fuel (LPG) to women from economically weaker households, particularly those still relying on firewood, coal, or dung cakes for cooking. These traditional fuels not only pose health hazards but also contribute to environmental pollution. The Ujjwala Yojana has transformed the lives of millions of rural families by ensuring access to safe, convenient, and eco-friendly LPG connections.

Objective of PM Ujjwala Yojana

The primary objective of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana is to promote the use of clean cooking fuel and improve the living standards of women in rural India. Before this initiative, many families lacked access to LPG due to affordability issues and lack of awareness. The scheme addresses these challenges by providing financial assistance and making LPG connections accessible to poor households.

Launch and Implementation

The scheme was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 1st May 2016 in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh. It is implemented by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) and executed through India’s leading oil marketing companies — Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Bharat Petroleum (BPCL), and Hindustan Petroleum (HPCL).

Since its inception, PMUY has expanded in multiple phases:

• Phase 1 (2016–2019): Targeted 5 crore LPG connections to Below Poverty Line (BPL) households.

Phase 2 (Ujjwala 2.0, launched in 2021): Added 1 crore more LPG connections with simplified documentation, free first refill, and hotplate assistance.
By 2025, the government aims to cover every household in India under clean cooking fuel access.

Eligibility Criteria for PM Ujjwala Yojana

To avail of benefits under the PMUY scheme, the applicant must meet specific eligibility conditions set by the government.

1. Gender and Age Requirement

The applicant must be a woman aged 18 years or above from a poor household. Only women are eligible to apply for a new LPG connection under this scheme.

2. Identification of Beneficiaries

Beneficiaries are identified based on data from the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011. Additionally, households belonging to any of the following categories can apply:

• Scheduled Castes (SC)
  
  
• Scheduled Tribes (ST)
  
  
• Most Backward Classes (MBC)
  
  
• Economically Weaker Sections (EWS)
  
  
• Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin) beneficiaries

Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) families

Forest dwellers

Tea garden or ex-tea garden workers

Families residing in river islands or hilly areas

3. Household Status

The applicant’s household should not already possess an LPG connection under any name.

Required Documents for Application

To apply for a new LPG connection under PMUY, the following documents are required:

• Proof of identity: Aadhaar card or voter ID
  
  
• Proof of address: Ration card, electricity bill, or Aadhaar
  
  
• Bank account details: For subsidy transfer (Jan Dhan account preferred)
  
  
• BPL certificate or SECC proof

Passport-sized photograph of the applicant

How to Apply for LPG Connection Under Ujjwala Yojana

Step 1: Collect the Application Form

The PMUY application form is available free of cost at your nearest LPG distributor’s office (Indian Oil, HPCL, or BPCL). It can also be downloaded from the official websites of these companies.

Step 2: Fill Out the Form

Fill in details such as name, address, age, and Aadhaar number. Choose your preferred LPG distributor and attach all required documents.

Step 3: Submit the Application

Submit the completed form along with documents at the LPG distributor’s office. The details will be verified through official databases such as SECC and Aadhaar.

Step 4: Approval and Connection

Once verified, the LPG connection will be sanctioned in the woman’s name. The government provides:

• A free LPG connection
  
  
• Financial assistance of ₹1,600 per connection
  
  
• Option for interest-free loans to purchase a stove and refill cylinders
  
  

The first cylinder refill and the hotplate are often provided free of cost under Ujjwala 2.0.

Benefits of PM Ujjwala Yojana

• Health Benefits: Reduces indoor air pollution and respiratory diseases caused by smoke from traditional fuels.

Empowerment of Women: Promotes women’s health, safety, and dignity by reducing time spent collecting firewood.

Environmental Protection: Encourages eco-friendly fuel usage and reduces deforestation.

Economic Support: Provides subsidies and financial aid to poor households.

Improved Quality of Life: Enhances cleanliness, convenience, and safety in rural kitchens.

Impact of Ujjwala Yojana

As of 2025, more than 9 crore LPG connections have been distributed under the scheme. It has not only revolutionised rural energy access but also empowered millions of women by improving health outcomes and living conditions. The scheme has played a vital role in reducing India’s dependence on solid fuels and promoting environmental sustainability.

Conclusion

The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana stands as a testament to India’s commitment to social welfare, women empowerment, and environmental progress. By providing free LPG connections to poor women, the government has taken a significant step toward achieving inclusive development. Women in rural areas, once exposed to smoke-filled kitchens, now cook safely and efficiently — marking a true transformation in everyday life.