Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana is a flagship welfare scheme of the Government of India. This program provides access to clean cooking fuel for households that previously depended on unsafe traditional fuels. Firewood, coal, and dung cakes caused indoor pollution and serious health problems, especially for women and children. The scheme was launched to address these issues and to promote the use of LPG as a safe, clean, and convenient cooking option.

Here, we will explain what is Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, its full form, launch date, benefits of Ujjwala 2.0, online application process, eligibility conditions, and all the other important details. 

What is Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana?

PMUY full form is Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana. It is a central government initiative that provides deposit-free LPG connections to women belonging to poor households. The scheme ensures that families living below the poverty line no longer need to cook with firewood or other polluting fuels.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

By giving LPG connections, the scheme reduces health risks, improves living conditions, and saves time for women. It also helps in environmental protection by reducing deforestation and smoke emissions.

Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana Launch Date

The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana launch date was 1st May 2016. It was inaugurated in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh. The initial goal was to provide 5 crore LPG connections to women from poor households. Due to its success and wide acceptance, the target was later revised and expanded.

By 2019, the scheme had already achieved over 8 crore LPG connections, showing its strong impact.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana 2.0

In August 2021, the government introduced Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana 2.0. This new phase was launched to expand coverage and include more vulnerable families. Listed below features that made the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana 2.0 more inclusive: 

Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana Online Apply

Applying for the scheme has become easier with online services. To Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana online apply, applicants can follow these steps:

1. Visit the official portal dedicated to PMUY.
2. Select the option for a new Ujjwala 2.0 connection.
3. Choose the preferred LPG distributor – Indane, Bharat Gas, or HP Gas.
4. Fill in basic details such as state, district, name, mobile number, and identification details.
5. Upload the required documents, including Aadhaar and ration card or self-declaration form.
6. Submit the form and wait for verification.

Once verified, the LPG distributor provides the connection, stove, and first refill free of cost.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

Eligibility Criteria to Avail Connection under Ujjwala 2.0

The eligibility criteria to avail connection under Ujjwala 2.0 are clearly defined to ensure that the benefits reach deserving households. The mentioned criteria ensure that the scheme benefits the poorest and most unprivileged sections of society.

Documents Required for Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana

To apply, certain documents required for PM Ujjwala Yojana must be submitted. Mentioned here are some of the documents that one needs to keep handy while applying for the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana: 

Beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana

The beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana are mainly women from Below Poverty Line households. The scheme targets vulnerable groups such as SC, ST, and MBC families. It also covers families living in remote or disadvantaged regions like forest areas, hilly regions, and tea garden communities.

Through Ujjwala 2.0, migrant families and other poor households were also included. This wider coverage ensured that millions of households previously excluded could now benefit.

By 2025, more than 10 crore connections had been released under this scheme. It has directly improved the health and quality of life of beneficiaries by reducing exposure to indoor smoke.

Ready to boost your UPSC 2026 preparation? Join PW’s UPSC online courses today!

DOWNLOAD PDF