In a major welfare push aimed at empowering women and ensuring household health, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday launched a large-scale LPG refill initiative under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY). The event, held at the Lok Bhavan auditorium in Lucknow, marked the transfer of Rs. 1,500 crore in subsidies to the bank accounts of 1.86 crore Aadhaar-verified women beneficiaries across Uttar Pradesh.
Symbolic Distribution and Direct Benefit Transfer
To inaugurate the distribution drive, Mr. Yogi Adityanath symbolically handed over refill benefits to 10 women on stage, while the remaining funds were transferred digitally in real-time. This initiative forms part of the first phase of the state government’s promise to provide two free LPG refills per year to Ujjwala beneficiaries, aiming to ensure clean energy access and reduce health hazards caused by traditional cooking fuels.
Historic Shift from Woodfire Kitchens to Smoke-Free Homes
Reflecting on the progress made since 2014, Mr. Yogi said,
“Earlier, poor women were forced to cook using wood and coal. This harmed their health severely, resulting in lifelong illnesses. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, kitchens have become smoke-free.”
The Ujjwala Yojana, launched in May 2016, was a pioneering step to eliminate smoke from Indian homes, especially in rural regions. To date, 18.6 million families in Uttar Pradesh have received LPG connections under the scheme.
Timeline and Fund Allocation
The free refill distribution will occur in two phases during the financial year 2025-26:
- First Phase: October to December 2025
- Second Phase: January to March 2026
The Uttar Pradesh government has allocated Rs. 1,500 crore for this effort, benefiting only Aadhaar-verified Ujjwala beneficiaries in the current phase.
CM Yogi’s Social Message: Security, Swadeshi, and Social Harmony
During the event, Mr. Yogi emphasized the government’s zero-tolerance stance against crime, especially concerning women’s safety.
“If anyone molests a daughter, Yamraj will be waiting at the next intersection,” said Mr. Yogi, reaffirming the state’s commitment to women’s security and dignity.
The Chief Minister also appealed to the public to celebrate a Swadeshi Diwali, encouraging citizens to support local artisans and potters by purchasing indigenous lamps and idols, thereby contributing to rural and small-scale economic development.
Finance Minister Highlights Women-Centric Schemes
Mr. Suresh Khanna, Uttar Pradesh’s Finance Minister, applauded the welfare-oriented leadership of Prime Minister Modi and Chief Minister Yogi. He highlighted the Kanya Sumangala Yojana, which has benefited over 26.24 lakh girls, and mass marriage schemes that support the underprivileged in starting new chapters in life.
“The lives of common people, especially women, have improved under this government,” he said, reaffirming the Yogi administration’s commitment to inclusive growth and women empowerment.
A Model for Welfare-Oriented Governance
From LPG subsidies to girl child welfare, Uttar Pradesh under Mr. Yogi Adityanath continues to set examples of targeted developmental governance. By combining direct benefit transfers (DBT) with social accountability and public outreach, the administration is not only reducing financial burdens but also empowering women to lead healthier and more dignified lives.
