Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana 2.0 – Complete Details, Eligibility, Benefits and Application Process 2025
Access to clean cooking fuel has always been a major challenge for millions of households in rural India. For decades, women have depended on traditional fuels like firewood, coal and kerosene for cooking. These fuels not only harm their health but also cause severe indoor air pollution, leading to chronic respiratory diseases and environmental degradation.
To address this issue, the Government of India launched one of its most impactful social welfare schemes — the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY). The objective was to provide free LPG gas connections to women from economically weaker households.
After the success of the first phase, the government introduced Ujjwala Yojana 2.0, an upgraded version with more benefits, a simpler process, and wider coverage. The scheme aims to ensure that every home in India has access to clean cooking fuel.
In this article, we will explore every important aspect of Ujjwala Yojana 2.0 — its features, eligibility, benefits, subsidy structure, and application process.
Background and Evolution of Ujjwala Yojana
The original Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) was launched on 1st May 2016 by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. The scheme aimed to provide five crore LPG gas connections to women belonging to Below Poverty Line (BPL) families.
It was implemented through India’s major Oil Marketing Companies — Indian Oil Corporation (Indane Gas), Bharat Petroleum (BPCL), and Hindustan Petroleum (HPCL).
The scheme was a massive success. By 2019, more than 8 crore women had received LPG connections. The initiative not only improved women’s health but also promoted gender equality, reduced deforestation, and created employment in rural areas.
To extend the benefits further, the government launched Ujjwala Yojana 2.0 on 10th August 2021, focusing on inclusion, affordability, and environmental sustainability.
The upgraded version targets migrant families, unbanked households, and poor families without address proof, ensuring that no eligible woman is left behind.
Objectives of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana 2.0
Ujjwala Yojana 2.0 continues the mission of providing LPG access to every household in India. Its main objectives include:
- To provide clean cooking fuel to households still using traditional fuels.
- To protect women’s health from harmful smoke produced by firewood and coal.
- To reduce indoor air pollution and related health issues.
- To empower women by giving them ownership of LPG connections.
- To expand the use of clean energy and support India’s climate goals.
- To make LPG affordable and accessible through subsidies and simplified documentation.
The government has designed the scheme to support India’s rural transformation by making clean energy a part of daily life.
Features of PMUY 2.0
The Ujjwala Yojana 2.0 offers several new and improved features over the first phase. These updates make the process faster, simpler, and more inclusive:
- Free LPG connection: Women beneficiaries receive a free LPG connection in their name.
- Free first refill and hotplate: Each beneficiary receives the first gas refill and a cooking stove free of cost.
- No security deposit: There is no need to pay a security deposit for the gas cylinder or regulator.
- Simplified documents: Self-declaration is accepted for address proof; no ration card is required.
- Migrant families covered: Migrants can apply without local address proof or ration card.
- Digital verification: Aadhaar-based e-KYC ensures transparency and quick approval.
- Choice of cylinder size: Women can opt for either 14.2 kg or 5 kg cylinders.
- Subsidy support: The government provides ₹300 per cylinder subsidy under DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer).
- Wide coverage: Over one crore new LPG connections are targeted under Phase 2.
These features make PMUY 2.0 one of the most efficient social welfare programs in India, ensuring every woman can access safe and clean cooking fuel.
Eligibility Criteria
Women who wish to apply for a new LPG connection under Ujjwala Yojana 2.0 must meet the following conditions:
- The applicant must be a woman aged 18 years or above.
- She must belong to a poor household that does not have any LPG connection.
- The household should be part of the SECC (Socio-Economic Caste Census) database or hold a ration card under NFSA.
- Migrant families without address proof can apply using self-declaration.
- Preference is given to women from SC/ST, OBC, EWS, and Antyodaya families.
- The applicant must be an Indian citizen residing within the country.
This wide eligibility ensures maximum inclusion and support for families in need.
Documents Required
Applicants need to submit the following documents while applying for the LPG connection:
- Aadhaar card of the applicant and family members.
- Proof of residence (Aadhaar, voter ID, or self-declaration for migrants).
- Ration card (if available).
- Bank passbook or account details.
- Passport-size photograph.
- Caste certificate (if applicable).
- Mobile number linked with Aadhaar.
- Self-declaration form confirming no existing LPG connection.
All documents can be uploaded digitally through the online portal, ensuring a paperless application process.
How to Apply for Ujjwala Yojana 2.0
The government has made the application process for PMUY 2.0 very simple and user-friendly. It can be done both online and offline.
Online Application Process
- Visit the official LPG provider website — Indane Gas, Bharat Gas, or HP Gas.
- Select the “Apply for Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana 2.0” option.
- Fill in your details such as name, address, Aadhaar, and mobile number.
- Upload scanned copies of documents.
- Submit the form and note the acknowledgment or reference number.
- After verification, you will receive confirmation and delivery details.
Once approved, the gas connection kit — including cylinder, stove, and regulator — will be delivered to the beneficiary’s home.
Offline Application Process
- Visit your nearest LPG distributor or Common Service Center (CSC).
- Collect the physical PMUY 2.0 application form.
- Fill in all details carefully and attach required documents.
- Submit the completed form to the distributor.
- After field verification, the gas connection will be issued.
This offline mode is particularly useful for rural areas where internet connectivity is limited.
LPG Subsidy Structure under PMUY 2.0
To make LPG affordable for poor households, the government provides direct subsidy support under the PMUY 2.0 scheme.
- Each PMUY beneficiary is eligible for a ₹300 per cylinder subsidy (up to 12 refills per year).
- The subsidy amount is directly credited to the beneficiary’s bank account linked to Aadhaar.
- The subsidy ensures that even after global LPG price fluctuations, families can continue using clean cooking fuel without financial strain.
In addition to this, the first refill and stove are provided free of cost to encourage new users to adopt LPG permanently.
Benefits of Ujjwala Yojana 2.0
The PMUY 2.0 scheme has transformed millions of lives by improving living standards and empowering women. Here are the key benefits:
- Health benefits: Significant reduction in smoke-related diseases and respiratory infections.
- Women empowerment: Women are now independent owners of LPG connections and can cook safely.
- Environmental protection: Reduction in firewood usage, deforestation, and carbon emissions.
- Time-saving: Women save hours daily previously spent collecting wood or cow dung.
- Improved living conditions: Clean kitchens, modern cooking, and less household pollution.
- Social upliftment: Greater participation of women in education, community, and income-generating activities.
- Economic impact: Growth of LPG dealerships, distributors, and rural employment.
Overall, Ujjwala 2.0 goes beyond providing a gas cylinder — it delivers dignity, safety, and a healthier lifestyle.
Impact of the Scheme
The success of the Ujjwala Yojana has been remarkable.
Before its launch, India’s rural LPG coverage was just 55%. Today, it exceeds 98%, with more than 9 crore women beneficiaries across the country.
Independent studies show that indoor air pollution has dropped significantly in PMUY households. The scheme has directly contributed to the reduction of diseases such as chronic bronchitis, asthma, and eye infections among women and children.
Moreover, it has created thousands of new jobs in the LPG distribution network, boosting rural income and infrastructure. The government’s continuous focus on women-centric schemes has made PMUY a model for social transformation.
Challenges and Improvements Needed
Despite its success, the scheme faces a few challenges:
- Some beneficiaries struggle to afford LPG refills even with subsidies.
- Lack of awareness in remote areas about subsidy benefits.
- Delivery delays due to poor infrastructure in rural regions.
- Occasional safety issues related to improper usage.
- Behavioral preference for traditional fuels in certain communities.
The government is addressing these issues by launching awareness campaigns, safety training, doorstep delivery systems, and refill discounts. Future updates may also include promoting bio-LPG and electric cooking options under sustainable energy initiatives.
Future Roadmap and Government Vision
The Government of India plans to continue expanding the Ujjwala Yojana in the coming years.
- Achieving 100% clean fuel coverage in every household.
- Promoting women entrepreneurs as LPG distributors and service agents.
- Integrating digital tracking systems for transparent LPG distribution.
- Encouraging bio-LPG and renewable energy as future alternatives.
- Continuing direct benefit transfers to maintain affordability.
- Expanding safety awareness programs and training for all users.
The long-term vision of the Ujjwala Yojana aligns with India’s larger goals of gender equality, environmental sustainability, and poverty reduction.
Comparison: Ujjwala 1.0 vs Ujjwala 2.0
| Feature | Ujjwala Yojana 1.0 | Ujjwala Yojana 2.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Launch Year | 2016 | 2021 |
| Target | 5 crore LPG connections | 1 crore new connections |
| Beneficiaries | BPL women | BPL, migrant, and poor families |
| Documents Required | Ration card and address proof | Self-declaration accepted |
| Free Benefits | LPG connection | LPG connection + first refill + stove |
| Verification | Manual | e-KYC and digital verification |
| Subsidy | ₹200 per cylinder | ₹300 per cylinder |
| Focus | Distribution | Affordability and inclusion |
This comparison highlights how Ujjwala 2.0 improves accessibility, speed, and sustainability for poor households.
Success Stories
Across India, thousands of women have shared how Ujjwala Yojana changed their lives. In villages of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Odisha, women say they no longer suffer from eye and throat irritation while cooking. In tribal regions, girls who once spent hours collecting firewood now attend school regularly.
The scheme has not only improved health but also restored dignity and safety for millions of women. Many Ujjwala beneficiaries have become entrepreneurs and LPG delivery agents, contributing to local economies and inspiring others.
Government’s Commitment
The Government continues to strengthen the scheme by providing extra financial assistance during times of crisis. For example, during the pandemic, PM Garib Kalyan Yojana offered free LPG refills for Ujjwala beneficiaries for three months.
In 2025, the Finance Ministry reaffirmed its commitment by allocating a substantial budget to support ongoing LPG subsidies and expand the coverage of PMUY 2.0. This ensures that no family is left behind in the journey toward clean energy access.
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The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana 2.0 is a shining example of how public welfare programs can transform lives. It has empowered millions of women, reduced health risks, and promoted sustainable development across rural India.
By ensuring access to LPG connections and providing continued subsidy support, the government has made cooking cleaner, safer, and more convenient for every household.
PMUY 2.0 is not just a scheme; it is a movement toward gender equality, health, and environmental responsibility. The journey from smoke-filled kitchens to clean, modern homes symbolizes India’s progress toward inclusive and sustainable growth.
With continued public awareness and government support, the vision of “Clean Cooking for All” is well within reach — lighting up homes, protecting lives, and empowering the women who are the heart of every family.