Matribhumi Samachar English
New Delhi. Updated on : Sunday, 16 August 2026
India’s flagship clean cooking fuel initiative, the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), continues to scale operations significantly. As of April 2026, the scheme supports over 105 million beneficiaries nationwide. By delivering accessible Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) connections, PMUY serves as a crucial pillar for safeguarding health in rural kitchens and alleviating economic burdens on low-income families.
Key Policy Updates for 2026
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Extension of the ₹300 Direct Subsidy: The Union Cabinet approved the continuation of the targeted ₹300 subsidy per 14.2 kg LPG cylinder. Eligible households receive this benefit for up to 12 refills per fiscal year through the 2025–26 cycle, protecting monthly kitchen budgets against global market spikes.
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Uttar Pradesh Festive Refill Expansion: The State Government of Uttar Pradesh sanctioned ₹193 crore for Phase 2 of its free refill initiative. Verified Ujjwala beneficiaries in Uttar Pradesh receive two completely free LPG cylinders annually, timed around Holi and Diwali.
Ujjwala 2.0 Eligibility & Requirements
| Criteria | Details |
| Demographic Target | Exclusively open to adult women (aged 18 and above). |
| Exclusivity Clause | Applicant’s immediate household must not hold an active LPG connection from any OMC. |
| Priority Categories | SC, ST, Most Backward Classes (MBC), Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY), Forest Dwellers. |
| Migrant Relaxation | Migrants can submit a Self-Declaration Form (Annexure-I) instead of local address proof. |
Document Checklist
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Aadhaar Card: Mandated for KYC and identity verification.
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Bank Account Details: Active account number and IFSC code for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
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Family Proof: State Ration Card or family composition certificate.
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Photographs: Recent passport-sized photos of the primary applicant.
Step-by-Step Application Procedure
Security Alert: Under Ujjwala 2.0, the primary hotplate (stove) and the initial refill are provided 100% free of cost. Distributors are legally barred from demanding security deposits, installation fees, or processing charges.
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Online Method: Visit the official portal at pmuy.gov.in. Select your Oil Marketing Company (IOCL/Indane, BPCL/Bharat Gas, or HPCL/HP Gas), verify via mobile OTP, and upload scanned identity and bank details.
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Offline Method: Visit your nearest LPG distributor desk with physical copies of your Aadhaar card, bank passbook, and state ration card for processing.
Health & Preventive Care Significance
Transitioning from solid biomass (wood, coal, dried dung) eliminates high concentrations of indoor fine particulate matter and carbon monoxide. Replacing traditional chulhas with clean LPG reduces severe respiratory risks, lung complications, and eye infections among women and children.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can minor women apply for the Ujjwala scheme?
No. The applicant must be an adult female aged 18 or older at the time of submission.
Q2: What should I do if a local distributor asks for installation charges?
The stove and first cylinder refill are completely free. If any agency demands money, log a formal complaint via the Ujjwala Helpline at 1800-266-6696.
Q3: How many free cylinders are provided in Uttar Pradesh per year?
Verified PMUY cardholders in Uttar Pradesh receive two free refill cylinders annually during Holi and Diwali.
Q4: Is a local state ration card required for migrant workers?
No. Migrant workers can submit a simplified Self-Declaration form (Annexure-I) as valid proof of temporary residence.
Verified Resources & Coverage:
For additional regional scheme reporting and updates across Uttar Pradesh, visit the official portal at pmuy.gov.in or follow news coverage on matribhumisamachar.com/en.
Disclaimer:
This article is published strictly for informational purposes based on public administrative data for the 2026 fiscal cycle. Enrollment terms, budgetary allocations, and subsidy structures remain subject to official modifications by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) and state welfare authorities.
