Good news for Bengal women: Ujjwala Yojana to offer free LPG connections, check details
The BJP government in West Bengal has announced the implementation of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana 3.0 in the state, opening the door for lakhs of women from economically weaker households to receive free LPG connections and subsidies.
The announcement was made by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari after the first Cabinet meeting of the newly formed government on Monday. Along with several Central welfare schemes, the state formally decided to implement the Ujjwala scheme, which had remained stalled for years.
Addressing reporters, the Chief Minister said several welfare programmes of the Centre, including PM Jan Arogya Yojana, PM Fasal Bima Yojana, PM-SHRI, Vishwakarma and Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao, would now be implemented in Bengal.
Speaking on Ujjwala Yojana, Adhikari claimed that nearly 11 crore women across India are already benefiting under Ujjwala 1.0 and 2.0.
He further stated that Bengal had a pending quota of around 11 lakh beneficiaries and alleged that several applications had remained stuck at LPG distributor centres earlier.
According to the government, Ujjwala Yojana 3.0 will provide beneficiaries with a free LPG gas connection, a free gas stove and a subsidy of Rs 300 on every refill.
Eligible women will also be entitled to receive up to 12 subsidised cylinders annually.
Who is eligible?
The scheme is meant for women belonging to Below Poverty Line (BPL) families.
Applicants must fulfil the following conditions:
- The applicant must be a woman aged 18 years or above
- She must belong to a BPL household
- There should not already be an LPG connection registered in her name
Documents required
Applicants will need the following documents:
- Aadhaar card
- Address proof
- Bank passbook in the applicant’s name
- Ration card or BPL certificate
How to apply
Applications can be submitted through LPG distributor customer service centres. Beneficiaries can also apply online through the official Ujjwala Yojana portal.
Online application process
- Visit the official Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana website
- Click on the ‘PM Ujjwala Yojana Online Application’ option
- Fill in personal details
- Upload Aadhaar card and address proof
- Complete OTP verification using a mobile number
- Enter bank account details, including account number and IFSC code
Officials said eligible beneficiaries should not pay any money for the connection. Complaints can be lodged with the concerned department if any unauthorised payment is demanded.