Free LPG: Women in UP receive funds for free gas cylinders; subsidy credited to the bank accounts of Ujjwala beneficiaries..

On Tuesday, a subsidy for free cooking gas cylinders was credited to the accounts of approximately 19 million (1.9 crore) women in Uttar Pradesh. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath gifted free LPG cylinders to beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) on the occasion of Diwali. A total subsidy of ₹1,500 crore was transferred directly into their bank accounts. Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak and ministers from various other departments were also present on the occasion. As a symbolic gesture, some female beneficiaries were presented with checks representing the subsidy. If you hold a gas connection under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), you are eligible to receive the benefit of a free cylinder this Diwali.

**Full payment transferred to gas agencies**
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated that the current price of a cooking gas cylinder is ₹983.45. This includes a subsidy of ₹335.40 provided by the central Modi government, leaving the female beneficiary to pay ₹648.55. However, on this occasion, the full amount for the Ujjwala beneficiaries has been transferred directly to the gas companies. Consequently, women holding Ujjwala gas connections can simply visit their gas agency to collect their free gas cylinder without having to make any payment themselves. This will result in significant savings for these families during the Diwali festival, allowing them to use the money for items such as sweets, *diyas* (earthen lamps), and other essential needs.

**The past struggle to obtain a gas connection**
The Chief Minister highlighted the Ujjwala Yojana, which was launched during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tenure. CM Yogi noted that prior to 2014, obtaining a cooking gas connection was a major challenge, often requiring a bribe of ₹25,000 to ₹30,000. Prime Minister Modi launched the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana on May 1, 2016, from the Ballia district of Uttar Pradesh. The scheme helped women escape the health hazards of smoke, provided free gas connections to impoverished families, and ensured that gas subsidies were credited directly into their bank accounts. Gas Subsidy under Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana
To avail the benefits of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), it is mandatory for gas connection holders to complete their e-KYC. Additionally, their Aadhaar must be linked to their bank account. The Uttar Pradesh government provides the benefit of free LPG cylinder refills twice a year—during Holi and Diwali—to women who are beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana. The objective of this scheme is to provide relief from inflation to needy families during the festive season. Under the PM Ujjwala Yojana, a beneficiary must first book a cylinder through their existing connection with Indane, Bharat Gas, or Hindustan Petroleum. If the woman or her family holds a Ujjwala gas connection, the full cost of the cylinder is credited to their bank account. Currently, the price of a cylinder is approximately ₹910.

How to get a free cylinder?
Book your LPG cylinder through your gas agency.
Make the payment at the time of cylinder delivery.
Ensure your bank account is linked to your Aadhaar.
Your bank account must be enabled for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Keep the gas booking receipt safe.

Free Gas Cylinders for Holi and Diwali
Bookings for this scheme open annually during the occasions of Holi and Diwali. For the Holi free cylinder refill scheme, special bookings were accepted from February 28 to March 12, while bookings for Diwali began on November 1. Beneficiary women are required to book their cylinder refill—either by visiting the gas agency or online—and pay the full amount. Following the delivery of the cylinder, the central government credits a subsidy of ₹300 into the beneficiary's account, while the state government transfers the full cost of the cylinder into the account.

Benefits of the Ujjwala Yojana 2.0 (PMUY) Gas Connection
Get a new LPG connection with zero security deposit.
Receive your first filled gas cylinder and a gas stove completely free of charge.
A subsidy of ₹300 per cylinder (for up to 12 refills per year) is credited directly to your bank account.
Additionally, some states provide free gas cylinders during festivals like Holi and Diwali.

How to obtain an Ujjwala gas connection
The application must be in the name of an adult woman in the household.
The family must belong to one of the following categories: BPL, SC/ST, MBC, Antyodaya Anna Yojana, or be a beneficiary of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin).
There must be no other active LPG connection already registered in the applicant's household.
The applicant’s bank account must be linked to their Aadhaar card and mobile number.

Required documents for the gas connection
Aadhaar card (as proof of identity and address).
Family ration card.
Bank account passbook.
Passport-sized photograph.
Mobile number (for registration and booking purposes).

How to apply for Ujjwala online?
Visit the official Ujjwala website (pmuy.gov.in).
Click on "Apply for New Ujjwala 2.0 Connection."
Select your gas provider (Indane, Bharat Gas, or HP Gas).
Complete the e-KYC process using your Aadhaar number and an OTP.
Select your nearest gas distributor, upload the required documents, and submit the form.
Following verification, you will receive your free gas cylinder and stove within 7 to 15 days.

Contact the toll-free helpline

Ujjwala Helpline: 1800-2666-696
Emergency Number: 1906 (for reporting gas leaks)