From Smoke to Stove: How PMUY is Cooking Up Healthier Homes in India!

This study investigates the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), India’s 2016 initiative to expand liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) access, focusing on promoting clean cooking fuel and enhancing women’s health and empowerment. Using data from the National Sample Survey (NSS), 2020–2021, and the field survey in West Champaran district, Bihar, the research explores household fuel selection patterns ‘clean’ or ‘dirty’ through multivariate logistic regression. Findings indicate that household income, education and gender of the household head are critical determinants of LPG adoption. Moreover, increased LPG usage positively affects women’s health and empowerment. The study suggests that boosting LPG adoption should primarily address educational and affordability-related factors. JEL Codes: I12, I15, Q41