Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana and its Effectiveness: A Qualitative Study of Mayurbhanj District of Odisha

This qualitative study examines the awareness, adoption, and impact of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) on tribal women in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, India. Using a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) methodology, the study collected data from diverse stakeholders, including LPG distributors, sarapanch, head of the tribal family and tribal female households and beneficiaries. The findings reveal four key themes: Economic and practical barriers, Adoption and utilization of LPG, Impact of PMUY, and Sustainability and long-term use. The findings highlight four key themes that hinder consistent LPG usage: Economic barriers (high refill costs, subsidy delays, and reliance on biomass), adoption challenges (awareness gaps and cultural preferences), impact (increased access to LPG but inconsistent usage), and sustainability (reliance on traditional fuels due to lack of continuous support and education). The study concludes that PMUY has empowered tribal women with cleaner cooking solutions, but economic, cultural, and knowledge barriers limit its full potential. The study findings reveal both the potential benefits, and the persistent challenges associated with LPG adoption, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to enhance the program’s effectiveness. The financial implications of regular LPG usage often force households back to traditional biomass fuels. This aligns with existing literature that underscores the importance of affordability in energy transitions, particularly in low-income settings where financial constraints are prevalent. Recommendations include targeted educational awareness, better subsidy systems, and income-based pricing to improve adoption and sustainability, offering valuable guidance for policymakers to enhance PMUY’s impact on marginalized communities.