Access to clean, affordable energy is more than a utility; it is a basic human right and a cornerstone of social and economic empowerment. For decades, millions of rural households in India, especially women, have been burdened by the health and time costs of traditional cooking fuels like firewood and cow dung. In response, the Government of India launched the Ujjwala Yojana, a bold initiative aimed at ensuring energy justice for the most underserved segments of society.
This mission has become a transformative model for inclusive energy access. It’s not just a welfare scheme, it’s a catalyst for gender equity, improved health, and sustainable rural development.
Why Energy Justice Matters More Than Ever
Energy justice ensures that every individual, regardless of income or geography, has access to safe, sustainable, and modern energy. For rural women in India, lack of clean cooking fuel historically meant exposure to toxic smoke, hours spent gathering firewood, and long-term respiratory illnesses.
Ujjwala Yojana is India’s definitive answer to bridging this energy gap, focusing on empowering women with agency over their household energy choices and freeing them from the generational cycle of energy poverty.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), nearly 2.4 billion people globally still rely on traditional biomass for cooking. Ujjwala is helping India break from this pattern.
The Genesis and Growth of Ujjwala Yojana
Launched in 2016, the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) aims to provide free LPG connections to women from Below Poverty Line (BPL) households. With an initial target of 5 crore beneficiaries, the scheme surpassed expectations and was later expanded under Ujjwala 2.0.
Key Highlights:
- Over 9.6 crore LPG connections distributed as of 2024.
- Prioritises marginalised communities, including SC/ST and forest dwellers.
- Offers a first refill and a free stove, along with an LPG connection.
- Now includes migrant workers and requires minimal documentation.
- Under Ujjwala 2.0, launched in August 2021, an additional 1 crore connections were sanctioned with simplified application procedures.
The scheme has been pivotal in reducing dependence on solid biomass, improving air quality, and promoting cleaner cooking practices.
Tangible Impact on Women and Health
One of the standout achievements of the PM Ujjwala Yojana lies in its empowerment of rural women. By eliminating the drudgery of firewood collection and reducing kitchen smoke, it has brought a marked improvement in the lives of millions.
Measurable Outcomes:
- Health Benefits: Significant drop in cases of respiratory illness, eye infections, and carbon monoxide exposure among women and children.
- Time Savings: Women save up to 2-3 hours daily, which can be redirected to education, income-generating activities, or childcare.
- Safety: Reduction in injuries and hazards related to open fires or kerosene stoves.
- A study by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) found that women in Ujjwala households reported improved dignity and comfort while cooking.
Midway through its implementation, PM Ujjwala Yojana has been lauded by global development institutions as one of the largest and most impactful clean energy initiatives targeted at women.
Bridging the Affordability and Refill Gap
While distribution of initial connections has been successful, one challenge remains—ensuring continued use and affordability of refills.
To address this, the government has:
- Launched subsidised refill programs.
- Partnered with oil marketing companies for doorstep delivery.
- Encouraged microfinancing and community awareness campaigns.
- Introduced mobile apps and digital booking services to improve accessibility.
- Provided an additional 3 free refills under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Efforts are underway to further integrate renewable sources such as biogas and solar-based community kitchens to diversify clean cooking options.
Future of Ujjwala and Energy Equity in India
Looking ahead, Ujjwala is evolving from a one-time benefit scheme to a long-term behavioural and cultural shift. The goal is to establish LPG as the primary cooking fuel across rural India—making clean energy a default, not a luxury.
This aligns with India’s broader climate and development goals, including:
- Net Zero by 2070 commitments under the Paris Agreement.
- Transition toward sustainable rural development models.
- Integrating clean cooking into national energy security strategies.
- Contributing to Sustainable Development Goal 7: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.
More than just a flagship scheme, Ujjwala is a proof point that with the right policy framework and political will, energy justice is achievable and scalable.
Final Thought: Ujjwala as a Model for the Global South
As countries across Asia and Africa grapple with clean energy access, India’s Ujjwala Yojana is now serving as a global blueprint for inclusive energy policies. Its women-centric design, targeted delivery mechanisms, and large-scale impact offer critical lessons in sustainable development.
Delegations from countries like Nigeria and Ghana have studied the scheme to model similar LPG rollout strategies.
By continuing to invest in behavioural change, last-mile delivery, and community ownership, India has the opportunity to permanently rewrite the narrative on clean energy access,for itself and the world.