How is the Ujjwala Yojana Empowering Rural Women in Visakhapatnam?
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Synopsis
Discover how the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana is revolutionizing the lives of rural women in Visakhapatnam by providing access to clean energy, empowering them and significantly improving their daily routines.
Key Takeaways
- Ujjwala Yojana has transformed the lives of rural women.
- Access to clean cooking fuel has resulted in significant time savings.
- Women are now able to balance work and family responsibilities more effectively.
- The scheme has led to a notable improvement in health outcomes.
- It has also contributed to environmental sustainability.
New Delhi, June 11 (NationPress) The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) is transforming the lives of rural women in Visakhapatnam, providing them with access to clean energy and significantly enhancing their quality of life.
Recently, numerous women beneficiaries from the district shared their heartfelt appreciation for the scheme, illustrating how it has positively altered their daily routines, both at home and beyond, illuminating many lives.
One beneficiary recounted her experience, underlining the tangible impact of the initiative.
“I received my connection in 2018 after learning about it through a news article. I quickly contacted a local distributor, Dwarka Gas Service, and promptly obtained the gas connection as part of the scheme,” she reminisced.
Many women expressed how transitioning from traditional cooking fuels to LPG has allowed them to save time and effectively juggle their responsibilities.
“I’ve saved a considerable amount of time, which now enables me to manage my work and home life more efficiently. I can quickly prepare meals for my children,” one woman remarked.
Another beneficiary highlighted the significant change in her cooking process.
“Previously, I used firewood and coal for cooking, which took about 2 to 3 hours. Now, I can prepare food for my children in much less time,” she noted, conveying her gratitude for the initiative.
Data from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas indicates a remarkable growth in the domestic LPG consumer base in India during the Ujjwala phase, climbing from 8.3 crore consumers in March 2005 to a projected 32.9 crore consumers by March 2025. LPG coverage across the nation has surged from 62 percent in 2016 to an estimated 99.8 percent by 2025.
Apart from simplifying household tasks, the Ujjwala Yojana has broader societal and environmental impacts. The scheme has empowered women to spend more quality time with their families, engage in the workforce, and contribute to household income.
Additionally, it has played a role in reducing deforestation and environmental degradation by decreasing reliance on firewood and other traditional biomass fuels.
Importantly, the scheme has also contributed to better health outcomes.
According to the National Family Health Survey, there has been a 46 percent reduction in tuberculosis (TB) cases per one lakh individuals in rural regions between 2019-2021, compared to the period from 2015-2016.
In urban settings, TB cases experienced a 4 percent decline during the same timeframe, highlighting the health advantages of cleaner cooking fuels.
The experiences from rural Visakhapatnam mirror a broader national trend, showcasing women becoming healthier, more productive, and increasingly empowered through access to clean cooking fuel.
Launched in May 2016 by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, the PMUY aims to provide clean cooking fuels like LPG to rural and underprivileged households that traditionally relied on firewood, coal, and cow-dung cakes.
As the Ujjwala Yojana continues to extend its reach, it is not only illuminating kitchens but also fueling the aspirations and dreams of countless women across India.
Point of View
The Ujjwala Yojana stands as a testament to the government's commitment to improving the lives of women in rural areas. The scheme effectively addresses both societal and environmental challenges, ensuring that women can lead healthier, more productive lives while contributing to their families and communities.
NationPress
16/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ujjwala Yojana?
The Ujjwala Yojana is a flagship scheme initiated by the Indian government to provide clean cooking fuel, primarily LPG, to rural and underprivileged households.
How has the Ujjwala Yojana impacted rural women?
The scheme has empowered rural women by providing them with access to clean energy, allowing them to save time on cooking and improve their overall quality of life.
What are the health benefits associated with the Ujjwala Yojana?
The Ujjwala Yojana has contributed to a reduction in health issues, including a significant decrease in tuberculosis cases among rural populations.
When was the Ujjwala Yojana launched?
The Ujjwala Yojana was launched in May 2016 by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
What fuels did households rely on before the Ujjwala Yojana?
Before the Ujjwala Yojana, many households relied on traditional fuels such as firewood, coal, and cow-dung cakes for cooking.
