Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) has completed 9 transformative years since its launch on 1st May 2016, changing the way India cooks. From smoky kitchens to clean cooking fuel, Ujjwala Yojana has empowered over 10.33 crore women in last 9 years, brought LPG to the remotest corners of the country, and emerged as one of the biggest social welfare success stories in the world.
A Blue Flame Revolution Across India
When PMUY was launched, India had around 14.5 crore LPG users. Today, that number has surged beyond 32.94 crore. The rise is more than 126%, which is a clear sign of how PMUY has reached deep into India’s villages and tribal regions.
According to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, in these 9 years:
- 10.33 Crore+ women have been empowered with free LPG connections.
- 238 Crore+ LPG refills have been delivered.
- There is a 17% increase in LPG refills in FY 2024–25 as compared to 2023–24.
- Per capita LPG consumption in FY 2024–25 reached 4.47 cylinders per year, showing active and regular usage by rural households.
What is Ujjwala Yojana?
Launched in 2016, PM Ujjwala Yojana provides free LPG connections to women from poor families (BPL households) across India. The goal is to replace harmful traditional fuels like firewood and dung cakes with clean LPG gas.
Under the scheme, eligible families get:
- A free LPG cylinder and regulator (₹1,600 covered by government).
- Option to get a gas stove and first refill on loan.
- Ongoing subsidies on LPG refills through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
LPG Growth: From 14.52 Cr to 32.94 Cr Users
The LPG coverage in India has grown from around 55% in 2014 to almost 100% in 2025. Here’s a quick look at this journey:
| Year | Active LPG Users |
|---|---|
| 2014 | 14.52 crore |
| 2025 | 32.94 crore |
This expansion wouldn’t have been possible without the support of Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), who increased the number of LPG distributors from ~13,900 in 2014 to over 25,500 today. Rural coverage has been the main focus.
How Ujjwala Changed Rural Lives
Cleaner Kitchens & Better Health
Before Ujjwala, women cooked using chulhas (mud stoves) burning wood or dung, filling homes with smoke. This caused lung diseases, eye irritation, and other health issues. Now, with LPG, kitchens are smoke-free and safer. Health outcomes for women and children have improved dramatically.
Time Saving & Productivity Boost
Earlier, women spent hours collecting firewood. Now they use that time for:
- Earning extra income (tailoring, farming, home-based work)
- Supporting children’s education
- Taking part in local self-help groups
This simple shift in cooking fuel has had a massive social and economic impact.
Empowering Women
Ujjwala gave women ownership – LPG connections are issued in their names. Women became decision-makers in their homes. Many are now working as:
- Local LPG distributors
- “Ujjwala Didis” spreading awareness and safety training
- Micro-entrepreneurs using their time and energy efficiently
Impact on Rural Economy
Jobs & Distribution Network
The scheme created jobs in:
- LPG distribution and delivery
- Cylinder transport and maintenance
- Support staff and logistics
Thousands of rural youth and women are now earning livelihoods through the growing LPG ecosystem.
Financial Support & Subsidy
PMUY families also receive ₹300 per refill subsidy (up to 12 cylinders/year). This ensures affordability and encourages regular usage. During COVID-19, the government even provided free LPG refills to PMUY users.
Case Studies: Real Stories of Transformation
- Ranju Devi (Bihar): A tailor who switched to LPG, saving hours daily. She now earns extra by stitching clothes using the time saved.
- Village Women (Baramulla, J&K): Switched to gas, reduced respiratory illnesses, and started knitting during spare time.
- Budhni Devi (Bihar): Cooked on firewood for decades, now feels dignified and secure using LPG in her kitchen.
- Geeta Devi (Uttar Pradesh): Blackened walls turned clean; her family now enjoys faster cooking and better health.
These are just a few examples from over 10 crore stories of change.
Detailed Research Report about the Impact of PM Ujjwala Yojana in last 9 years
What’s Next for Ujjwala?
- Continued ₹300 refill subsidy to ensure affordability.
- More LPG awareness programs (like LPG Panchayats and Ujjwala Didis).
- Focus on 100% usage, encouraging households to stop using firewood completely.
- Integration with other schemes like PM Awas Yojana and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.
PM Ujjwala Yojana is not just about gas cylinders, it’s about clean air, dignity, time, safety, and women’s empowerment. It is a mission that turned kitchens from smoky corners into safe, efficient, and happy places.
With continued government support, targeted subsidies, and rural awareness, Ujjwala is lighting up every home, not just with a flame, but with hope.
Data Sources
- Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (Press Release, 1 May 2025)
- Press Information Bureau (PIB)
- PMUY Official Website: https://pmuy.gov.in
- Economic Survey Reports
- NITI Aayog and OMC reports