Govt announces 25 lakh additional free LPG connections to poor women under PMUY during current financial year

STC NEWS MONITORING DESK
NEW DELHI, SEPTEMBER 23 (STC): The Central government will release 25 lakh additional free LPG connections to poor women under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) during the current financial year, the oil ministry has said on Monday.
“With this expansion, the total number of PMUY connections will rise to 10.58 crore,” the ministry said in a statement.
Announcing the decision,Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri said, “With the onset of Navratri, the decision to provide 25 lakh deposit-free LPG connections under Ujjwala is yet another testimony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to treat women with the same respect accorded to Goddess Durga. This strengthens our resolve for the dignity and empowerment of mothers and sisters. Ujjwala has emerged as one of the most impactful social welfare schemes in India – transforming kitchens, safeguarding health, and brightening the future of families across the country.”
Notably, under PMUY, launched in 2016 beneficiaries receive a deposit-free LPG connection that covers the security deposit of cylinder, pressure regulator, ‘suraksha’ hose, domestic gas consumer card (DGCC) booklet, and installation charges.
In addition, the first refill and stove are also provided free of cost. Beneficiaries are not required to make any payment for the LPG connection, the first refill, or the stove, as these costs are borne by the Government of India and the Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs).
Beneficiaries have the flexibility to choose from a 14.2 kg single bottle connection, a 5 kg single bottle connection, or a 5 kg double bottle connection.
The process for obtaining an LPG connection under PMUY has been made fully streamlined and technology-enabled. Eligible adult women from poor households who do not have an existing LPG connection in their family can apply by submitting a simplified KYC application form and Deprivation Declaration, either online or at any LPG distributor of the public sector OMCs.
“Existing applicants with pending applications are required to undergo a revised eKYC process and submit details as per the updated proforma,” the statement said.
As of July 2025, over 10.33 crore PMUY connections have been released across the country, making it one of the largest clean energy initiatives globally.
(Straight Talk Communications)