Which Indian government scheme aims to provide free LPG connections to below-poverty-line families?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
Correct Answer
Ujjwala Yojana
Explanation
The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) is the flagship Indian government welfare scheme launched to provide clean cooking fuel, specifically Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) connections, to women from below-poverty-line (BPL) households. Officially launched on May 1, 2016, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the program is implemented under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
The overarching goal of the Ujjwala Yojana is to safeguard the health of women and children by replacing unhealthy conventional cooking fuels—such as firewood, coal, and dried cow dung—which release hazardous indoor air pollutants. By offering a financial support mechanism to cover the upfront installation and security costs of a new cylinder and regulator, the scheme facilitates a massive shift toward modern energy sources. This transition significantly reduces respiratory illnesses among rural populations, cuts down the time spent collecting firewood, and promotes overall environmental sustainability.
Key Points
The eligibility criteria initially focused exclusively on families identified under the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) data but was later expanded to include all backward categories and economically weaker households. Under the second phase of the scheme, known as Ujjwala 2.0 launched in 2021, migrants are also permitted to apply with a simplified self-declaration process instead of strict residential proof. In contrast, Ayushman Bharat is a national health insurance scheme, Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi provides direct income support to farmers, and Stand-Up India focuses on promoting entrepreneurship among women and marginalized communities.
Important Questions and Answers
Question: In which year and from which location was the first phase of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana officially launched?
Answer: 2016, from Ballia, Uttar Pradesh.
Question: Which central government ministry is responsible for the funding, execution, and monitoring of the Ujjwala Yojana?
Answer: Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.