The Government of India, through the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, has announced a significant expansion under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY). In this latest phase, an additional 25 lakh LPG connections will be made available to eligible households across the country. This step reinforces the government’s commitment to providing clean cooking fuel and improving the quality of life for underprivileged families.
Streamlined Application Process for New Connections
According to an order issued by Additional Food Commissioner Poonam Prasad Sagar, the process for applying for these 25 lakh new connections has been simplified. The extended phase of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana includes several important modifications to ensure transparency, efficiency, and timely delivery of benefits.
Among the major updates are simplified eligibility criteria, revised declaration requirements, and mandatory physical verification of customer premises. The district-level Ujjwala committees have been given an enhanced role to monitor and facilitate smooth implementation.
Key Changes in the Scheme
The extended phase of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana brings a series of improvements aimed at making the scheme more accessible and reliable:
- Simplified Eligibility Norms – The eligibility criteria for applying under the scheme have been revised to make it easier for more households to avail of LPG connections.
- Revised Declaration Requirements – Applicants now need to provide a clearer declaration regarding their eligibility, reducing ambiguity and ensuring that the benefits reach the right beneficiaries.
- Mandatory Physical Verification – For all new connections, officials are required to conduct physical verification at the customer’s residence. For at least five connections per batch, officers will verify the information provided in the application. In the case of migrant families, where self-declaration is used for family structure and address, a minimum of 20 connections will be verified physically.
- Strengthened Role of District Committees – District Ujjwala Committees are actively involved in overseeing the scheme’s rollout. Their responsibilities include coordinating with oil marketing companies and ensuring proper verification and documentation.
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Government Directives for Smooth Implementation
Officials across various districts have been instructed to provide full support to officers of oil marketing companies operating in their jurisdictions. The goal is to ensure that the expanded phase of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana is implemented efficiently, transparently, and without delays.
The ministry has emphasized the importance of adhering to the revised guidelines, especially regarding verification processes. This ensures that LPG connections are issued to genuine beneficiaries and prevents misuse or duplication.
Focus on Migrant Families
Special attention has been given to migrant families who may not have standard address documentation. For such households, self-declaration is allowed, but verification remains crucial. By mandating physical checks for at least 20 connections in these cases, the government aims to balance accessibility with accountability.
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Positive Impact on Household Welfare
The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana has already transformed millions of households by providing access to clean and safe cooking fuel, significantly reducing dependence on traditional fuels such as firewood and kerosene. The expansion of 25 lakh additional connections will further empower families, especially women, by saving them time and protecting their health from indoor air pollution.
This initiative is part of the government’s broader efforts to ensure energy security and social welfare, highlighting its commitment to inclusive development. By streamlining the process and introducing transparent verification mechanisms, the new phase of PMUY is expected to reach eligible families quickly and efficiently.
Conclusion
The release of 25 lakh new LPG connections under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana marks a significant milestone in India’s journey toward universal access to clean cooking fuel. With simplified eligibility, improved verification, and active involvement of district committees, the scheme aims to deliver its benefits fairly and efficiently.
Families across India can now look forward to a safer, healthier cooking environment and an enhanced quality of life. The government’s continued focus on implementing the scheme effectively demonstrates its commitment to inclusive growth and energy accessibility.
The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana continues to be a game-changer in India’s energy landscape, bridging the gap between modern cooking solutions and households that need it the most.
