Government’s Festive Gift: Free LPG Cylinder for Ujjwala Scheme Beneficiaries This Diwali – Check Eligibility and Process
This Diwali, millions of women across Uttar Pradesh have a special reason to celebrate. The Yogi Adityanath-led state government has announced a major festive gift under the Prime Minister Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) — a free LPG gas cylinder for all eligible women beneficiaries. This move aims to support households during the festive season while promoting the continued use of clean energy for cooking.
Free LPG Cylinder Under UP Scheme
Under the Uttar Pradesh Free Gas Cylinder Scheme, every eligible woman registered under the PM Ujjwala Yojana will receive one filled LPG cylinder at no cost during Diwali. The same benefit is also extended during the Holi festival. This initiative ensures that families can celebrate major festivals without worrying about fuel expenses.
The government has already initiated the process for the Diwali 2025 distribution, starting from October itself, so that consumers receive their free cylinders before the festival.
How the Scheme Works
While the cylinder is labeled “free,” beneficiaries must first pay the regular refill price to their respective gas agency — Indane, HP, or Bharat Gas. After the payment, the amount is credited back into the woman’s bank account as a subsidy within a few days. This system ensures transparency and prevents misuse of government funds.
In essence, women pay upfront but are reimbursed 100% of the cost, making the refill effectively free.
Mandatory e-KYC Process
To avail the benefit, completing e-KYC (electronic Know Your Customer) verification is mandatory. Women can do this easily through the official PM Ujjwala Yojana website by selecting their gas company — Indane, HP, or Bharat Gas — and following the online e-KYC steps.
For those who do not have internet access, the e-KYC can also be completed at the nearest gas agency. The government has emphasized that pending e-KYC may delay the subsidy credit, so beneficiaries are advised to complete it as soon as possible.
Who Can Apply for the Scheme
Women who are not yet enrolled under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana can still apply and become eligible for future benefits. The scheme primarily targets women from economically weaker sections, including those from Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Below Poverty Line (BPL) families, and beneficiaries of government housing or food schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Rural) and Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY).
Eligible women must be 18 years or older and belong to families meeting the 14-point poverty criteria set by the government. Upon approval, they receive a free LPG connection, regulator, pipe, and the first filled cylinder. In addition, each household can receive up to nine subsidized cylinders per year, with a subsidy of ₹300 per cylinder.
Promoting Clean Energy and Women’s Empowerment
The Ujjwala Yojana, launched in 2016, was designed to reduce the dependence on traditional fuels like wood and kerosene, which pose health and environmental hazards. By providing free and subsidized LPG connections, the government aims to empower women and improve household air quality across rural India.
The decision to distribute free LPG cylinders during major festivals like Diwali and Holi reflects the government’s commitment to easing the financial burden on women and ensuring that celebrations are filled with light and not smoke.
Final Words
This Diwali, as homes across Uttar Pradesh light up with diyas and decorations, the state government’s initiative ensures that kitchens too remain bright — powered by clean energy and the spirit of empowerment.
Beneficiaries are encouraged to complete their e-KYC immediately, confirm their Ujjwala account details, and stay updated with their gas agency to ensure timely delivery of their free LPG cylinder.
With this thoughtful move, the Yogi government continues to strengthen its welfare-driven policies, bringing tangible relief and festive joy to millions of households across the state.
