PM Modi to launch Ujjwala 2.0 from Mahoba, Uttar Pradesh

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch Ujjwala 2.0 (Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana – PMUY) by handing over LPG connections, at Mahoba Uttar Pradesh on August 10 at 12:30 PM via video conferencing. During the event, the Prime Minister will interact with beneficiaries of the Ujjwala and will also address the nation.

The journey from Ujjwala 1.0 to Ujjwala 2.0

During Ujjwala 1.0 launched by PM Modi in Balia in 2016, few months ahead of the UP elections, a target was set to provide LPG connections to 5 crore women members of BPL households. Subsequently, the scheme was expanded in April 2018 to include women beneficiaries from seven more categories (SC/ST, PMAY, AAY, Most backward classes, tea garden, forest dwellers, Islands). Also, the target was revised to 8 crore LPG connections. This target was achieved in August 2019, seven months ahead of the target date.

In the Union budget for FY 21-22, provision for an additional one crore LPG connection under the PMUY scheme was announced. These one crore additional PMUY connections (under Ujjwala 2.0) aim to provide deposit-free LPG connections to those low-income families who could not be covered under the earlier phase of PMUY.

Along with a deposit free LPG connection, Ujjwala 2.0 will provide the first refill and hotplate free of cost to the beneficiaries. Also, the enrollment procedure will require minimal paperwork. In Ujjwala 2.0, migrants will not be required to submit ration cards or address proof. A self-declaration for both 'family declaration' and as a 'proof of address will suffice. Ujjwala 2.0 will help achieve the Prime Minister's vision of universal access to LPG.

Is the Ujjwala scheme a success?

Much of the credit of BJP's 2016 victory in Uttar Pradesh is given to the 'game changer' Ujjwala scheme. While the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana has claimed success with almost 98% coverage of liquefied petroleum gas in India, govt's own National Family 2019-20 Health Survey (NFHS-5) tells a different side of the story. The survey suggests, in the past five years, there has been only a 20% increase in the overall usage of clean cooking fuel. The survey was done by the Ministry of Health and Family welfare in 22 states. Additionally, it indicates, houses that have LPG cylinders, may not necessarily be using them. 

(PSU Watch– India's Business News center that places the spotlight on PSUs, Bureaucracy, Defence and Public Policy is now on Google News. Click here to follow. Also, join PSU Watch Channel in your Telegram. You may also follow us on Twitter here and stay updated.)