ADOPTION AND USAGE OF LPG UNDER PRADHAN MANTRI UJJWALA YOJANA: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES

Access to clean cooking fuel is an important factor in improving public health, environmental sustainability, and the quality of life of households. In India, a large proportion of rural households traditionally depended on biomass fuels such as firewood, coal, crop residues, and dung cakes for cooking. The use of these fuels leads to indoor air pollution and creates serious health and environmental problems. To address these issues, the Government of India introduced Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) in 2016 with the objective of providing LPG connections to women belonging to economically weaker households. The scheme aims to promote the adoption of clean cooking fuel and reduce dependence on traditional biomass energy sources. This article examines the adoption and usage of LPG under PMUY by highlighting the opportunities and challenges associated with the scheme. The study discusses how PMUY has improved access to clean energy, enhanced women’s empowerment, reduced indoor air pollution, and contributed to better living conditions in rural areas. At the same time, several challenges such as the high cost of LPG refills, irregular income of rural households, limited awareness, and infrastructure constraints continue to affect the consistent use of LPG among beneficiaries. The study suggests that improving subsidy support, strengthening LPG distribution networks, and increasing awareness about clean cooking fuels can further enhance the effectiveness of the scheme and promote sustainable energy usage.