Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana 10.15 Crore connections have been released across the country

Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana 10.15 Crore connections have been released across the country

LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. – 924
TO BE ANSWERED ON 8th February, 2024

Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana

Shri Rajendra Dhedya Gavit
Shri Sunil Baburao Mendhe

Will the Minister of PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that more than 9.5 crore LPG connections have been disbursed under Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) and if so, the details thereof;

(b) the details of strategies and endeavours that have been employed to augment LPG coverage in the country through PMUY; and

(c) the ways in which this initiative has positively impacted the lives of rural households, with a special focus on women and families residing in remote areas?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS
(SHRI RAMESWAR TELI)

(a): Yes Sir. As on 31.01.2024, 10.15 Crore PMUY connections have been released across the country.

(b): Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) was started in May, 2016 with an objective to provide access of clean cooking fuel to poor households across the country. Under PMUY, deposit free LPG connections are provided to adult women from poor households as per defined criteria. In order to augment LPG coverage in the country various steps have been taken including organizing campaigns for promotion of PMUY, organizing melas/camps to enroll and distribute connections, promotion through Out of Home (OOH) hoardings, radio jingles, Information, Education and Communication (IEC) Vans etc., spreading awareness about advantages of using LPG over other conventional fuels and safe usage of LPG through LPG Panchayats, enrolment/awareness camps under Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, facilitation of consumers and their families for Aadhar enrolment and opening of bank accounts for getting PMUY connections, simplification of process of getting LPG connection, online application for PMUY connection at www.pmuy.gov.in, nearest LPG distributors, Common Service Centres (CSC) etc., option of 5 Kg Double Bottle Connection (DBC), swap option from 14.2 Kg to 5 Kg, provision for Migrant Families to avail new connection on Self-Declaration instead of Proof of Address and Ration Card.

(c): Independent studies and reports have shown that PMUY scheme has had a significant positive impact on the lives of rural households, especially women and families in rural and remote areas. Some key benefits are briefly explained below:

(i) PMUY had resulted in a shift from traditional cooking methods that involve burning solid fuels like wood, dung, and crop residues. The use of cleaner fuel lowers indoor air pollution, leading to improved respiratory health, particularly among women and children who are traditionally more exposed to household smoke.

(ii) Households in rural areas, especially those in remote locations, often spend a significant portion of their time and energy in collecting traditional cooking fuels. LPG has reduced drudgery and the time spent on cooking by women of poor households. The free time, thus, available with them can be utilized in multiple spheres for enhanced economic productivity.

(iii) Transition from biomass and traditional fuels to LPG reduces the dependency on wood and other biomass for cooking purposes, leading to a decrease in deforestation and environmental degradation. This benefits not only the households but also contributes to broader environmental conservation efforts.

(iv) The use of LPG for cooking reduces the risk of accidents related to open fires, which is particularly important for the safety of women and children. Accidental burns and injuries associated with traditional cooking methods are minimized, contributing to a safer household environment.

(v) With improved cooking facilities, there is a potential positive impact on nutrition. Families may find it easier to cook a variety of nutritious meals, contributing to better overall health.