PM Ujjwala Yojana 3.0: The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), launched by the Government of India, is one of the country’s most important social schemes. The scheme aims to provide clean fuel to poor families, especially women living in rural areas. Previously, many families used traditional fuels like wood, coal, or cow dung cakes for cooking, which created smoke-filled indoor spaces and severely impacted the health of women and children. Addressing this problem, the government launched this scheme in 2016.
Now, in 2026, PM Ujjwala Yojana 3.0 is being implemented more robustly to ensure that families who have not yet received a gas connection can also benefit. Under this scheme, eligible women are provided with free LPG gas connections, subsidies, and several other benefits. The government’s aim is to ensure that poor families can also access safe and clean fuel and improve their quality of life.
What is the scheme?
The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PM Ujjwala Yojana) is a significant government scheme of the Government of India that provides free LPG gas connections to women from poor families. This scheme was launched in May 2016 to protect women and children from smoke emanating from burning wood, coal, or cow dung cakes in rural and urban poor households.
The first phase targeted 80 million connections. The second phase, Ujjwala 2.0, added easier rules for migrant families, and now, the third phase is providing 2.5 million additional connections. According to official data, a total of over 105.6 million connections have been issued by March 12, 2026. This scheme not only improves health but also protects the environment, as traditional fuels cause deforestation. It is a major relief for poor families, where rising cooking gas prices are becoming a burden.
| Topic | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) |
| Latest Phase | PM Ujjwala Yojana 3.0 |
| Launch Year | 2016 |
| Started By | Government of India |
| Financial Year | 2026–27 |
| Application Mode | Online and Offline |
| Main Beneficiaries | Women from poor and BPL families |
| Age Requirement | 18 years or above |
| Main Benefit | Free LPG gas connection |
Why was PM Ujjwala Yojana 3.0 launched?
The government realized that many families still lack LPG connections or find it difficult to access gas due to financial reasons. Therefore, PM Ujjwala Yojana 3.0 was launched to ensure that more people could benefit from this scheme.
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In this phase, the government has focused on simplifying the application process, providing subsidies, and issuing new connections. Rural and urban poor families are also being included.
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A major objective of the scheme is to free up time women spend collecting firewood daily, enabling them to invest it in education, employment, or other pursuits. This can improve both family income and standard of living.
Why is this scheme important for women?
In most Indian households, women are responsible for cooking. Previously, collecting firewood or other fuel for cooking required considerable time and effort.
After receiving a gas connection through the Ujjwala Yojana, women are relieved of these tasks. This frees them time, allowing them to focus more on their family and personal development.
Furthermore, gas connections are issued in women’s names, giving them an economic identity within the family. This is why this scheme is considered an important step towards women empowerment.
What are the benefits?
Under Ujjwala 3.0, a free LPG connection is provided, including the cylinder, regulator, and pipeline. The first refill and stove are also free. Subsequently, the subsidy is directly credited to the bank account through DBT – up to ₹300 per 14.2 kg cylinder for nine refills annually. A smaller 5 kg cylinder is also available, which is budget-friendly. The health benefits are significant – smoke reduces respiratory illnesses. Saving time allows women to work outside the home. The environment remains clean and forests are protected. Overall, more than 100 million families have benefited.
Eligibility
The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana primarily benefits poor families. Women applying for this scheme must be at least 18 years of age.
Families must not already have an LPG gas connection. Applicants must have an Aadhaar card and a bank account so that the subsidy can be transferred directly to their account.
The government specifically prioritizes BPL families, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other economically weaker sections under this scheme.
Required Documents
These include Aadhaar cards for the applicant and all adult family members that match the family document.
Ration card or state family ID, bank passbook or cancelled check, passport-size photo. Address proof such as voter ID or electricity bill if the Aadhaar address is different. SC/ST certificate or Antyodaya card, if applicable. Mobile number linked to Aadhaar. A KYC form must be completed and biometric verification is required. Incorrect documentation can cause delays.
How to Apply for Ujjwala Yojana 3.0
Applying for this scheme has become quite easy these days. Interested women can apply online or offline.
To apply online, first visit the scheme’s official website. Click on the “Apply for New Ujjwala Connection” option and fill out the application form. Afterward, upload the required documents and submit the form.
For offline applications, you can also submit the form at the nearest gas agency, such as Indane, Bharat Gas, or HP Gas distributor. Once the application is accepted, the documents are verified by officials, and then the gas connection is issued.
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Common Problems and Solutions
Sometimes delays are caused by Aadhaar mismatches – update your Aadhaar. Family members’ Aadhaar mismatches or having old connections can also cause problems. Incomplete eKYC is also a hurdle. Call the helpline 1800-266-6696 or check mylpg.in. Beware of agents; the scheme is free.
Scheme Importance Today
With gas prices expected to rise in 2026, this scheme has become a support for the poor. This Ujjwala 3.0 scheme is providing opportunities to new women who missed out in earlier phases. The subsidy continues with ₹12,000 crore in FY 2025-26. This not only improves health but also empowers women. It benefits the environment and economy. If you’re eligible, you can apply.
As LPG usage increases, household smoke will decrease, improving people’s health. The environment will also benefit.
