Free Gas Cylinder Scheme : In a significant move aimed at women empowerment and domestic welfare, the government has upgraded the Free Gas Cylinder Scheme under the Ujjwala Yojana. Now, instead of just one, two women per household can avail of this free LPG cylinder benefit. This expansion is expected to benefit crores of families, especially in rural and economically weaker sections of the country.
Here’s everything you need to know about the revised scheme – eligibility, benefits, how to apply, and who stands to gain the most.
What is the Free Gas Cylinder Scheme?
The Free Gas Cylinder Scheme, formally known as the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), was launched with the aim to provide clean cooking fuel to poor households across India. Women from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families were provided with free LPG connections, thereby promoting clean energy and reducing health risks from traditional chulha smoke.
With the latest revision, the scheme has become more inclusive and is expected to double the number of beneficiaries per family.
What Has Changed in the Scheme?
Under the revised provisions:
- Now two women from the same household can be registered as beneficiaries.
- Each eligible woman is entitled to up to 12 free LPG cylinder refills per year.
- A special subsidy mechanism will be provided directly to the gas agency to avoid upfront costs for the beneficiaries.
- More flexibility in documentation and inclusion of families living in rented homes or joint families.
This move is aligned with the government’s larger focus on women-led development and inclusive welfare schemes.
see more : New Golden Card for Elders
Key Benefits of the New Ujjwala Yojana Expansion
Here’s a quick overview of the core benefits:
- Double LPG benefit in every eligible home
- Reduced health hazards from indoor pollution
- Empowerment of more women in rural households
- Financial relief for families with multiple women managing household chores
- Easy online and offline application processes
- Increased coverage for women living in rented or shared accommodations
Who Is Eligible for This Revised LPG Scheme?
Eligibility for the Free LPG Cylinder Scheme (2025 revision) includes the following conditions:
- Applicant must be a woman above 18 years of age
- Must belong to a BPL or economically weaker family
- The household must not already own more than two LPG connections
- The woman must not be employed in a government job
- Preference will be given to families in rural, tribal, or underdeveloped areas
- Joint families or tenants may apply separately if they cook independently
Required Documents for Registration
Applicants need to submit the following documents:
- Aadhaar Card
- Ration Card or BPL Certificate
- Proof of Residence (Electricity bill, rent agreement, etc.)
- Bank Account Details (linked with Aadhaar)
- Passport-size Photograph
- Caste Certificate (if applying under reserved category)
Application Process: How to Apply for Free LPG Cylinder
You can apply for the scheme using two modes:
1. Online Method:
- Visit the official PMUY portal: pmuy.gov.in
- Fill out the online application form
- Upload the necessary documents
- Submit and wait for approval status via SMS
2. Offline Method:
- Visit the nearest LPG distributor (Indane, HP, Bharat Gas)
- Collect and fill the PMUY form
- Attach required documents
- Submit to the gas agency for processing
Once verified, LPG connection installation and first free cylinder will be scheduled at your home.
Subsidy and Cylinder Distribution Details
Here’s a table outlining the key benefits and distribution plan under the upgraded scheme:
| Feature | Previous Scheme | Revised Scheme 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Beneficiaries per Household | 1 woman | 2 women |
| Annual Free Refills | 12 cylinders | 12 per woman (24 total per home) |
| Connection Installation Cost | Free | Free |
| Applicable Income Group | BPL households | BPL + EWS families |
| Rural Focus | Yes | Yes |
| Urban Tenants Eligible | No | Yes (with valid rental proof) |
| Aadhaar Linking | Mandatory | Mandatory |
| Delivery Timeline | Within 7-10 days | Within 5-7 days |
Comparison with Other Government Schemes
Let’s compare the new LPG scheme with other popular government welfare programs:
| Scheme Name | Target Group | Key Benefit | Annual Cost to Govt |
|---|---|---|---|
| PM Ujjwala Yojana (Revised) | Women in poor families | 2 free LPG connections, 24 free cylinders | ₹14,000 Cr approx. |
| PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana | Poor families | Free ration (5 kg rice/wheat) per member | ₹1.3 Lakh Cr |
| PM Awas Yojana | Low-income families | Affordable housing assistance | ₹48,000 Cr (2024-25) |
| PM Kisan Samman Nidhi | Farmers | ₹6000 annually in 3 instalments | ₹75,000 Cr |
Expected Impact of the Policy Shift
- Crores of rural families will be directly benefited, especially those with large households.
- The scheme promotes clean fuel use, thereby reducing deforestation and indoor air pollution.
- It strengthens the role of women in households by improving their quality of life and saving cooking time.
- Gas agencies will see increased demand, boosting employment and rural economy.
Challenges and Criticisms
While the scheme is widely appreciated, a few challenges remain:
- Lack of awareness in remote villages
- Delays in cylinder refills in some regions
- Fake or duplicate registrations
- Lack of support for women without Aadhaar or bank accounts
The government is expected to tackle these issues through better digital infrastructure, awareness drives, and doorstep registration camps.
A Welcome Move for Women and Families
The expansion of the Free Gas Cylinder Scheme under Ujjwala Yojana is a bold and inclusive step toward empowering women and ensuring cleaner kitchens in every Indian home. By allowing two women per household to benefit, the policy makes room for larger families and shared living conditions, especially in joint and rented setups.
As implementation continues, the scheme is set to become a cornerstone of India’s welfare model focused on clean energy, gender equity, and financial support for the poor.
The information provided in this article is based on government announcements and official sources. Readers are advised to check the PMUY website or visit their nearest LPG agency for the latest updates and application guidance.
