The Indian government has taken steps to counter the effects of rising living costs due to inflation. Yesterday, the price of a 14 kg LPG cylinder was reduced by a minimum of Rs 200. This decision aims to provide relief to citizens ahead of crucial state and Lok Sabha elections scheduled for next year.
Benefits for Ujjwala Scheme Beneficiaries
For beneficiaries of the Ujjwala scheme, which provides clean cooking fuel to economically disadvantaged households, the price of an LPG cylinder will see a reduction of Rs 400. This includes a price cut of Rs 200 along with an additional Rs 200 subsidy. Non-Ujjwala beneficiaries will experience a price reduction of Rs 200. This revised pricing takes effect from August 30.
To expedite applications related to the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), the government has announced the issuance of 75 lakh new free gas connections. This move will increase the count of PMUY beneficiaries to 10.35 crore households.
What Officials Said!
In response to these developments, Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed that this reduction in LPG prices on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan is a gesture towards millions of women. He emphasized the government's commitment to enhancing the quality of life for the middle class and marginalized sections.
Hardeep Singh Puri, the Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, highlighted the financial challenges faced by households and underlined that the LPG price reduction directly aims to provide financial relief to families and individuals. This initiative aligns with the broader goal of ensuring affordable access to essential commodities.
Current LPG Prices and Recent Trends
The current prices for domestic LPG cylinders are Rs 1,053 in Delhi, Rs 1,052.50 in Mumbai, Rs 1,068.50 in Chennai, and Rs 1,079 in Kolkata. The price had been raised by Rs 50 in July, following two increases in May.
Political and Future Implications
This announcement coincides with upcoming Assembly elections in several states and the conclusion of the current five-year term of the Narendra Modi administration in the following year.
Significance of LPG in Indian Households
According to a recent National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) report, LPG is a primary energy source for 49.4 percent of rural households and 89 percent of urban households in India. Some states, including Delhi, Goa, Karnataka, Telangana, and Sikkim, have achieved over 90 percent adoption of clean energy for cooking.
What is Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)?
The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana is a flagship government scheme aimed at providing five crore LPG connections to Below Poverty Line (BPL) families. This assistance includes a subsidy of Rs 1,600 per connection, with a goal to achieve this within three years. The Ujjwala 2.0 scheme extends these benefits to migrant families as well, with an additional allocation of Rs 1.6 crore for LPG connections.
Application Process for Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana
Women aged 18 and above, without an existing LPG connection, can apply for the Ujjwala subsidy. Required documents include the applicant's Aadhaar Card for proof of identity and address (except for Assam and Meghalaya residents), a ration card issued by the state government, and a document verifying family composition. Migrant workers can use a self-declaration as per Annexure I. Bank account details with IFSC code are also necessary for identification.
