PMUY scheme, launched in 2016, provides LPG connections to low-income families. Currently, there are over 10.27 crore PMUY beneficiaries who will benefit from the extended subsidy. This translates to a total expenditure of Rs 12,000 crore by the government for the financial year 2024-25. This decision comes after the Modi government returned to power and approved the continuation of the targeted subsidy.
How will the Subsidy Ease the Financial Burden?
The subsidy aims to shield PMUY beneficiaries from the global fluctuations in LPG prices and encourage continued use of clean cooking fuel. This is particularly significant as India imports nearly 60% of its LPG requirement.
The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) provides subsidies on LPG cylinders for low-income families in India. Here is a comparison of prices after being subsidized:
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New Delhi: Subsidy amount - Rs-873.0 (Rs 1676.0 with subsidy, Rs 803.0 without subsidy)
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Kolkata: Subsidy amount - Rs -958.0 (Rs 1787.0 with subsidy, Rs 829.0 without subsidy)
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Mumbai: Subsidy amount - Rs -826.5 (Rs 1629.0 with subsidy, Rs 802.5 without subsidy)
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Chennai: Subsidy amount - Rs -1022.0 (Rs 1840.5 with subsidy, Rs 818.5 without subsidy)
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Bangalore: Subsidy amount - Rs -949.5 (Rs 1755.0 with subsidy, Rs 805.5 without subsidy)
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Hyderabad: Subsidy amount - Rs -1048.5 (Rs 1903.5 with subsidy, Rs 855.0 without subsidy)
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Lucknow: Subsidy amount - Rs -948.5 (Rs 1789.0 with subsidy, Rs 840.5 without subsidy)
What is the Aim?
The subsidy amount is deposited directly into the bank accounts of eligible beneficiaries. In Delhi, for instance, a non-PMUY customer pays Rs 803 for an LPG cylinder, whereas a PMUY beneficiary gets it for Rs 503 after the Rs 300 subsidy.
Government's Commitment to Social Welfare:
The Rs 12,000 crore allocated for the subsidy program reflects the government's dedication to supporting underprivileged sections of society. This initiative ensures millions of households have easier access to clean and affordable cooking fuel.