In a significant push towards women empowerment and clean energy access, the Union Government has approved the release of 25 lakh additional LPG connections under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) for the financial year 2025–26.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, extending greetings to women beneficiaries on the occasion of Navratri, said in a post on X, “On the auspicious occasion of Navratri, I extend my best wishes to all mothers and sisters joining the Ujjwala family. This step not only brings them joy during this sacred festival but also strengthens our resolve towards women empowerment.”
Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri hailed the decision as a reaffirmation of the government’s commitment to the dignity of women. “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,” Puri said. “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.”
With this expansion, the total number of Ujjwala connections will touch 10.58 crore households nationwide. The government has earmarked an expenditure of ₹676 crore for the fresh rollout. Of this, ₹512.5 crore has been set aside for the new deposit-free connections, ₹160 crore for the targeted subsidy of ₹300 per 14.2 kg LPG cylinder (for up to nine refills annually), and ₹3.5 crore towards administrative and communication expenses.
Under the scheme, beneficiaries receive a deposit-free LPG connection, including the cost of the cylinder, regulator, suraksha hose, installation, and documentation. Additionally, the first refill and stove are provided free of cost, with beneficiaries given the option to choose between a 14.2 kg cylinder, a 5 kg single-bottle connection, or a 5 kg double-bottle connection.
To improve transparency, the application process has been digitised. Eligible women from poor households without an existing LPG connection can apply by submitting a simplified KYC form and Deprivation Declaration. Applications undergo digital de-duplication and are followed by physical verification before installation.
Launched in May 2016 with a target of 8 crore deposit-free LPG connections, PMUY achieved its milestone by September 2019. The second phase, Ujjwala 2.0, launched in 2021, further expanded the scheme’s reach. Over the years, successive government approvals have raised the total coverage, with more than 10.33 crore households already benefitting as of July 2025.
