Centre approves PM Ujjwala Yojana extension, to release 75 lakh free LPG connections

The BJP-ruled central government has approved the extension of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), Union Minister Anurag Thakur announced on Wednesday.Under this, the government will release 75 lakh LPG connections over the course of three years from Financial Year 2023-24 to 2025-26.The decision was taken during a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.Apart from this, beneficiaries will be provided a targeted subsidy of Rs.200 per 14.2 kg LPG cylinder for up to 12 refills per year."LPG connections to poor households will provide access to clean cooking fuel helps in addressing health problems caused by the use of traditional sources of cooking fuel such as fire-wood, coal, cow dung, etc.  This will in turn enhance the productivity of women, raise their quality of life by removing drudgery associated with the collection of wood and insure them against the non-availability of cooking fuel, at times," a press release read.The addition of 75 lacs Ujjawala connections will take up the total number of PMUY beneficiaries to 10.35 crores.The scheme was launched by PM Modi in 2016 to help women belonging to BPL (Below Poverty Line) families secure LPG connections."Some eligible households still do not have LPG connection.  This is due to multiple reasons – new households are formed every year as a result of rising population, marriages, migration, nuclearlisation of families, leftover households, extremely remote locations etc.  There is demand for 15 lakh PMUY connections and as of 31.08.2023," the release added.