How Has the Ujjwala Yojana Transformed Women's Lives in Hazaribagh?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Ujjwala Yojana revolutionizes cooking for rural women.
- Health improvements are significant with reduced smoke exposure.
- Women gain more time for other essential tasks.
- Cleaner cooking options lead to safer homes.
- Government initiative aims to eliminate traditional fuel usage.
Hazaribagh, Sep 28 (NationPress) For many years following Independence, women, especially in rural areas, faced significant challenges due to smoke and difficulties in the kitchen. Preparing meals using wood and coal stoves was not only time-consuming but also inflicted irreversible harm on the health of countless women.
However, the initiation of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) has ushered in a remarkable change in both their cooking practices and overall lifestyles. Presently, numerous women across the nation, including those in Hazaribagh, are reaping the benefits of this initiative, leading to significant lifestyle transformations.
Ruby Devi, a resident of Navadih village in the Ichak block of Hazaribagh, shared with IANS how her life has been positively impacted since she adopted clean fuel through the PMUY scheme.
“Cooking on wood and coal stoves was extremely labor-intensive and resulted in various health issues. However, after receiving an LPG connection under the scheme, our cooking has become much safer and easier,” she revealed.
She added: "Now meals are prepared more rapidly, and our homes remain cleaner. The time we save can now be utilized for other essential tasks."
Babita Devi, another villager, echoed similar sentiments, stating that the LPG connection has not only streamlined cooking but also freed up time for her agricultural work and household responsibilities.
Expressing her appreciation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, she mentioned that the scheme has simplified her daily life, making kitchen tasks both easier and healthier.
Numerous other women from the district have shared alike views regarding the Ujjwala scheme, reflecting on their past struggles compared to the healthier and simpler alternatives available now. They noted a significant reduction in health issues such as colds, coughs, and eye irritation caused by smoke.
Importantly, the PMUY is a flagship initiative of the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, launched in 2016 to provide access to clean cooking fuel like LPG for rural and underprivileged households that previously relied on traditional cooking fuels such as firewood, coal, and cow-dung cakes.