Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana 2.0: Free Gas Connection Apply Online

Launched on 1st May 2016 by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) is a flagship initiative aimed at providing clean cooking fuel (LPG) to the rural and economically disadvantaged households that were previously using traditional fuels like firewood, coal, or cow-dung cakes. These fuels had harmful effects on the health of rural women and the environment.

The scheme seeks to empower women by providing them with the means to cook safely and conveniently, reducing the health risks associated with traditional cooking methods. As of April 2021, the scheme had successfully increased the LPG coverage in India from 62% (in 2016) to 99.8%.

Benefits

• Subsidy: ₹1,600 for a 14.2 kg LPG cylinder or ₹1,150 for a 5 kg LPG cylinder.
• Free LPG Stove (Hot Plate): Beneficiaries will receive an LPG stove and their first LPG refill free of cost along with the initial deposit-free connection.
• Priority Areas: Priority will be given to states with lower LPG coverage as of January 2016.

Eligibility

To qualify for PMUY under Ujjwala 2.0:

1. Beneficiary: Must be an adult woman from a poor household without an existing LPG connection.
2. Categories of Eligibility:
   • Families identified in the SECC 2011 list.
   • SC/ST households, beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY), Forest Dwellers, Most Backward Classes (MBC), Tea and Ex-Tea Garden Tribes, and people residing in river islands.
   • If the applicant does not fall under the above categories, they can apply by submitting a 14-point declaration confirming their eligibility as a poor household.

Exclusions

• Male members of a household cannot apply under the scheme.
• The scheme is only for women.

Application Process

1. Online Application:
   • Visit the official website of PMUY and select the oil company (Indane, Bharatgas, HP Gas).
   • Choose the connection type (Ujjwala 2.0) and fill in personal details, including mobile number and Aadhaar number.
   • If applying as a migrant family, provide supporting documents (Ration Card, Annexure 1, etc.).
   • Choose your district and distributor, fill in family and bank details, and submit the form.
   • After submission, generate a reference number and visit the nearest gas agency to complete the process.
2. Documents Required:
   • Aadhaar Card (if the connection is at the same address, Aadhaar is sufficient for identity and address proof).
   • Ration Card or a self-declaration document for migrant applicants.
   • Proof of Address (Aadhaar card, utility bills, etc.).
   • Bank Account Details (IFSC code and account number).
   • Passport size photograph.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can a new PMUY connection be taken in the name of my mother-in-law if she moves with me?
   Yes, a new connection can be taken in the name of the mother-in-law if she is eligible.
2. Can I avail LPG stove and the first refill free of cost?
   Yes, both the LPG stove and first LPG refill are provided free of cost to beneficiaries.
3. Can I take a 5 kg LPG cylinder under PMUY?
   Yes, beneficiaries can choose either a 14.2 kg or 5 kg LPG cylinder.
4. I am a male from a BPL household, can I apply?
   No, the scheme is only for adult women from eligible households.
5. What if there is no adult woman in my household?
   If there is no adult woman in the household, the family is not eligible for the scheme.
6. I belong to a ST caste, am I eligible for the PMUY scheme?
   Yes, adult women from the ST category are eligible for the scheme.
7. I am a forest dweller, am I eligible for PMUY?
   Yes, forest dwellers are eligible for the scheme.
8. What if my date of birth is not mentioned on the ration card?
   In the absence of a date of birth on the ration card, other valid documents such as the Aadhaar Card can be used to verify eligibility.
9. Can I apply if my mobile number is not linked with Aadhaar?
   Yes, you can apply but ensure that the mobile number is linked to your Aadhaar for OTP verification.
10. Can I apply if I do not have an email?
    Yes, an email address is not mandatory for the application process.
11. Can a migrant family apply for the scheme?
    Yes, migrant families can apply under the PMUY scheme, provided they submit the necessary supporting documents.
12. Can I use my husband’s bank account for PMUY?
    Yes, you can provide your husband’s bank account details if your own account is unavailable.

Sources and References

• Scheme Guidelines
• Additional Guidelines
• Official Website of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana