Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) 2025: Eligibility, Benefits, Documents, and Application Guide
The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) is one of India’s most impactful social welfare schemes. Launched in May 2016 by the Government of India, this initiative aims to provide free LPG connections to women from Below Poverty Line (BPL) households. The core idea was simple but powerful: replace hazardous cooking fuels like firewood, dung cakes, and coal with clean and safe liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
For decades, millions of rural households relied on traditional chulhas, which caused indoor air pollution and serious health risks for women and children. PMUY directly addressed this issue by making LPG accessible and affordable to disadvantaged families. Over the years, the scheme has transformed kitchens across India, improving health, reducing environmental damage, and empowering women.
Let’s break down the scheme in detail, its eligibility, documents required, online and offline application process, benefits, recent updates, and FAQs.
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Scheme
When PMUY was launched, the government set a target of 8 crore LPG connections by March 2020. This ambitious goal was not only met but achieved ahead of schedule in September 2019. Seeing its massive success, the government launched Ujjwala 2.0 in 2021, which added 1.6 crore new beneficiaries, including migrant families who often lacked address proof.
As of now, the scheme has expanded further, reaching 10.35 crore households across India, with special attention given to tribal regions, remote areas, and island populations.
The scheme is managed by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and implemented through three public sector oil marketing companies:
- HP Gas (Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited)
- Bharat Gas (Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited)
- Indane Gas (Indian Oil Corporation Limited)
PMUY provides not just the initial free LPG connection but also ensures affordable refills through subsidies, making it easier for families to continue using clean cooking fuel in the long term.
Eligibility Criteria for Ujjwala Scheme
Not everyone can apply for PMUY. The scheme has well-defined eligibility requirements to ensure benefits reach the most vulnerable households.
Key Criteria:
- Applicant’s Gender and Age: Only adult women (18 years and above) can apply. The connection is issued in the woman’s name to promote women empowerment.
- Economic Status: The applicant must belong to a BPL (Below Poverty Line) household, verified using SECC-2011 data or a valid BPL certificate.
- No Existing LPG Connection: The household must not already have an LPG connection from any oil company.
- Priority Groups: Extra preference is given to:
- SC/ST women
- OBC and EWS categories
- Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) cardholders
- Beneficiaries of PM Awas Yojana (Gramin)
- Tea garden workers, forest dwellers, and island residents
- Migrant families (under Ujjwala 2.0)
- Bank Account: The beneficiary must have a bank account in her name to receive subsidy transfers.
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Gender | Female |
| Age | 18+ years |
| Income Status | BPL household |
| LPG Connection | None existing |
| Bank Account | Mandatory |
| Priority Groups | SC, ST, OBC, AAY, tribal, migrants |
Documents Required for Application
To apply smoothly, applicants need to keep certain documents ready.
- Aadhaar Card – Primary identity proof
- Proof of Address – Ration card, voter ID, electricity bill, or similar
- BPL Certificate – Or eligibility through SECC-2011 data
- Bank Passbook/Statement – For subsidy transfer
- Passport Size Photograph – Recent photo of the applicant
- Caste Certificate (if applicable) – For SC/ST applicants
- Ration Card or Family Document – To show household members
For migrant workers, if formal address proof is not available, a self-declaration certificate (Annexure-I) can be submitted.
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply Online Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Scheme
Applying for PMUY online is simple and can be done from home. Here’s how:
- Visit Official Website – Go to pmuy.gov.in.
- Click on Apply Section – Look for “Apply for PMUY Connection.”
- Choose LPG Provider – Select Indane, Bharat Gas, or HP Gas based on availability in your area.
- Select Ujjwala 2.0 New Connection – Ensures you apply under the latest phase.
- Fill KYC Form – Enter details like name, age, Aadhaar, mobile number, and bank details.
- Upload Documents – Aadhaar, address proof, BPL certificate, and photo.
- Submit Application – After verification, you’ll receive a reference number for tracking.
Applicants can also apply via Bajaj Finserv’s platform, which simplifies the process.
Offline Application Process
If internet access is limited, beneficiaries can apply offline:
- Visit your nearest LPG distributor’s office (HP Gas, Bharat Gas, or Indane).
- Collect and fill out the PMUY application form.
- Attach required documents.
- Submit the form and receive an acknowledgement slip with a reference number.
This ensures even those without digital access can benefit.
Benefits of Ujjwala Scheme
The scheme brings multiple benefits health, social, economic, and environmental.
Health Benefits
- Reduces indoor air pollution from burning firewood, coal, and cow dung.
- Prevents respiratory diseases among women and children.
- Decreases risks of burns and cooking-related accidents.
Environmental Benefits
- Reduces deforestation by cutting reliance on firewood.
- Lowers carbon emissions, promoting sustainability.
Economic and Social Benefits
- Saves women’s time otherwise spent collecting firewood.
- Provides financial relief with subsidized refills.
- Enhances women’s empowerment by giving them ownership of cooking fuel decisions.
Direct Benefits
- Free LPG connection (5 kg or 14.2 kg cylinder).
- Free stove (single or double burner).
- First refill free of cost.
- ₹300 subsidy per refill (up to 9 per year).
- Safety training for LPG usage.
| Benefit Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Health | Reduced smoke, lower disease risk |
| Environment | Less deforestation, lower carbon footprint |
| Social | Women empowerment, time saving |
| Direct Benefits | Free connection, free stove, subsidy |
Post-Application Process Ujjwala Scheme
Once you apply, here’s what happens next:
- Verification – Officials check your details against SECC-2011 database.
- Home Visit (if needed) – For additional verification.
- Approval – Application is sanctioned.
- Installation – LPG stove and cylinder installed at your home.
- Safety Demonstration – Training provided on safe usage.
Beneficiaries can track application or refill status via:
- LPG distributor’s website
- Mobile app
- Customer care helpline
Recent Updates and Subsidy Information
The government has introduced important updates in 2025:
- ₹352 Subsidy Extended – Beneficiaries will continue to receive ₹352 per cylinder subsidy (up to 9 refills/year) for FY 2025-26.
- Consumption Increase – Average refill usage has risen to 4.47 cylinders per household annually (up from 3 earlier).
- Coverage Expansion – Scheme now covers 10.35 crore families.
- Migrant-Friendly Rules – Self-declaration option ensures migrants are not excluded.
This shows the government’s commitment to affordability and inclusivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
– Who is eligible for Ujjwala Yojana?
Women above 18 years from BPL households without LPG connections.
– What is provided free under PMUY?
Free LPG connection, stove, regulator, first refill.
– How much subsidy is given on refills?
₹300 per 14.2 kg cylinder (up to 9 per year).
– Can households with an LPG connection apply?
No, only first-time LPG users are eligible.
– How long does approval take?
Usually a few weeks, depending on verification and installation.
– Is there any hidden fee?
No, the initial setup is completely free.
– What if my application is rejected?
Call 1800-266-6696 or 1800-233-3555 for assistance and reapply after addressing issues.
Conclusion
The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana has changed the face of rural India. More than 10 crore women now have access to clean cooking fuel, reducing health risks, saving time, and giving them dignity and independence in household decisions.
With the extension of the ₹300 subsidy for FY 2025-26, the government has ensured that affordability remains intact despite global LPG price fluctuations. The scheme is not just about fuel—it’s about health, environment, and empowerment.
If you are eligible, apply online through pmuy.gov.in or offline via your nearest LPG distributor. By joining PMUY, you’re not only improving your family’s well-being but also contributing to a cleaner, greener India.
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