How does the Ujjwala scheme empower women and enhance family dignity?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Ujjwala scheme empowers women and families.
- 25 lakh new LPG connections announced on Navratri.
- Scheme now reaches 10.60 crore homes.
- 90% of refills booked online with safety checks.
- India's LPG connections have more than doubled since 2014.
New Delhi, Oct 6 (NationPress) Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri emphasized on Monday that the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Scheme extends beyond merely providing LPG connections; it is fundamentally about empowering women and enhancing the quality of life for families.
On the inaugural day of Navratri, the government announced a significant achievement under this initiative, granting 25 lakh new LPG connections to households nationwide.
“Ujjwala represents more than just LPG; it signifies freedom from smoke, dignity for women, and comfort for families under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Puri stated on the social media platform X.
With the addition of 25 lakh new LPG connections, the scheme’s total outreach now encompasses approximately 10.60 crore homes, providing millions of families with cleaner cooking fuel and a safer, healthier kitchen environment.
“This Navratri, the Ujjwala Yojana offers a special gift—25 lakh new LPG connections. This expansion will now illuminate 10.60 crore homes across Bharat,” the minister remarked.
“Currently, 90 percent of refills are booked online, ensuring safety checks with every delivery,” Puri added.
Puri also praised India’s impressive progress in the LPG sector over the last 11 years.
“Before 2014, only 14 crore households had LPG connections; this number has now more than doubled to over 33 crore,” he noted.
He further mentioned the government’s initiatives have strengthened the natural gas pipeline network, increasing from 14,000 km to over 22,500 km, positioning India as one of the fastest-growing refining hubs worldwide.
This year, the minister highlighted that while the Ujjwala scheme provides clean fuel, efforts by companies like Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) are crucial in extending urban amenities to rural areas.
IGL has connected over 1 lakh rural households with PNG, expanded CNG infrastructure, and established a smart gas meter manufacturing facility capable of producing one million meters annually.