Big Relief for Households: Cabinet Approves ₹12,060 Crore LPG Subsidy Under PM Ujjwala Yojana

In a significant move aimed at easing the financial burden on millions of low-income households, the Union Cabinet has approved a massive ₹12,060 crore subsidy package for LPG cylinders under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY). The decision reaffirms the government’s commitment to ensuring clean cooking fuel access for economically weaker sections, especially women in rural India.

This fresh allocation comes at a crucial time when rising fuel costs have impacted household budgets across the country.

What’s the New Subsidy Plan? PM Ujjwala Yojana

Under this newly approved initiative, beneficiaries of the PM Ujjwala Yojana will receive a subsidy of ₹300 per LPG cylinder for up to 12 refills annually. The scheme is expected to benefit over 9.6 crore families, who are part of the Ujjwala network.

Key Highlights:

• Subsidy Amount: ₹300 per 14.2 kg LPG cylinder
• Maximum Refills: 12 per year per beneficiary
• Financial Outlay: ₹12,060 crore for the current financial year
• Target Group: PMUY beneficiaries from economically weaker sections

Why This Move Matters

Since its launch in 2016, the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana has played a transformative role in replacing traditional fuels like wood and coal with clean LPG, especially in rural and remote areas. The scheme is not just about fuel — it’s about empowering women, improving health, and ensuring energy security at the grassroots level.

However, the increased price of LPG in recent years made it difficult for many beneficiaries to afford refills even after receiving an initial connection. The ₹300 per cylinder subsidy aims to bridge that affordability gap, encouraging sustained use of LPG and reducing dependence on polluting fuels.

A Boost for Women’s Welfare and Rural Health

The Ujjwala scheme has been widely praised for its gender-sensitive approach. By promoting clean cooking fuel, it helps reduce indoor air pollution — a major health hazard, particularly for women and children who spend more time near traditional chulhas.

The continued financial support through this subsidy will ensure that families do not revert to unsafe cooking methods, thereby protecting both health and the environment.

Government’s Stand PM Ujjwala Yojana

Union Minister Anurag Thakur, while announcing the Cabinet’s decision, stated:

“This decision reflects our government’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of the poor. The subsidy will ensure that clean cooking fuel remains affordable and accessible to crores of families under Ujjwala.”

The move is also seen as part of the government’s broader strategy to support the vulnerable sections of society amidst ongoing global inflationary pressures.

Economic and Social Impact

This initiative is likely to have a multi-dimensional impact:

• Household Savings: Lower LPG costs mean more disposable income for essentials.
• Health Improvement: Less exposure to smoke and pollutants.
• Environmental Benefits: Reduced deforestation and carbon emissions.
• Economic Participation: More time for women to engage in productive work due to reduced cooking times.

Looking Ahead

With this new subsidy allocation, the government is sending a strong message: clean energy access is not a luxury, but a basic right. The ₹12,060 crore package is more than just a fiscal decision — it’s a step towards inclusive development and sustainable progress.

As the PM Ujjwala Yojana enters a new phase of implementation with enhanced support, its impact is poised to touch even more lives and help India move closer to its goals of clean energy for all and gender-equitable growth.