UP government to provide two free LPG cylinders to 1.86 crore Ujjwala beneficiaries

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced a major Diwali initiative for women beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana. The state government will provide two free LPG refills to over 1.86 crore households across Uttar Pradesh. The official announcement will be made by CM Adityanath at Lok Bhavan in Lucknow, marking a significant move to support rural and low-income women ahead of the festive season.

The decision aims to reduce the financial burden on poor families and promote clean cooking fuel usage in rural areas. The government has allocated Rs 1,500 crore for this scheme, ensuring that the benefits reach every eligible household in time. An advance payment of Rs 346.34 crore has already been released to oil companies to make the process smooth and hassle-free.

Two-phase refill plan and beneficiary process

The free LPG refills will be distributed in two phases. The first phase will run from October to December 2025, and the second phase will take place between January and March 2026. This phased rollout is expected to ensure better management and timely delivery of gas cylinders to all households.

In the initial phase, about 1.23 crore Aadhaar-verified women will receive the benefit. To avail of the free refill, beneficiaries will first have to purchase the LPG cylinder at the current market price. After that, the subsidy amount will be credited directly to their Aadhaar-linked bank accounts within 3 to 4 days. This direct benefit transfer (DBT) method ensures transparency and prevents misuse of funds.

The scheme will cover both 14.2 kg and 5 kg LPG cylinder users. Households having only one connection are also eligible for the benefit. To make sure no eligible woman is left out, the government has launched a large-scale Aadhaar verification drive across the state. Officials are working with oil companies and local authorities to verify and update the beneficiary list.

Three major public sector oil companies — Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited — will manage the supply and distribution of LPG refills. The government has also provided additional manpower, laptops, and technical assistance at distribution points to ensure efficient service delivery.

Monitoring, awareness, and transparency measures

To make the scheme effective, the Uttar Pradesh government has introduced several measures for monitoring, awareness, and consumer satisfaction. Special committees have been formed at both the state and district levels to oversee the implementation. These committees will track progress, resolve any delivery-related issues, and ensure that every refill reaches the intended beneficiary on time.

Consumers will receive SMS alerts about refill bookings and delivery schedules. A dedicated mobile application will also allow beneficiaries to track their LPG refills and subsidy credits. This digital initiative is aimed at improving communication and reducing the chances of confusion or delays.

The government is also conducting awareness campaigns through banners, camps, and local meetings in villages to educate women about the refill process and benefits. Trained officials will guide beneficiaries on how to book refills and check their subsidy status.

To protect consumers’ rights, a grievance redressal system has been set up where users can report any problems related to refills, delivery, or subsidy payments. Complaints will be addressed promptly by officials to maintain trust and efficiency in the system.

Additionally, the Weights and Measures Department will carry out random inspections at LPG distribution points to ensure that cylinders provided to consumers are of full quantity and proper quality. This will prevent malpractices and ensure that every woman gets the exact benefit promised under the scheme.

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A major step toward women’s welfare and clean energy

The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, launched in 2016, aims to replace traditional cooking fuels like firewood and coal with clean and efficient LPG. The scheme primarily targets women from economically weaker and rural backgrounds to promote health, safety, and environmental protection. Uttar Pradesh leads the nation in the implementation of Ujjwala Yojana, with more than 18.6 million connections distributed so far.

By offering two free refills, the Yogi government hopes to ensure that poor families can continue using LPG without financial strain. The initiative not only supports women’s welfare but also encourages the use of clean energy across the state. This Diwali, millions of women in rural Uttar Pradesh will celebrate with relief, knowing that their kitchens will be smoke-free and their families will breathe cleaner air.

The scheme highlights the state’s commitment to both social welfare and sustainable living. With its transparent process, direct benefit transfer system, and strong monitoring mechanism, the initiative is expected to make a meaningful impact on the lives of millions of women and their families.

As the government continues to focus on welfare-driven policies, the two free LPG refills under the Ujjwala Yojana mark another important step toward empowering women, improving public health, and ensuring energy access for every household in Uttar Pradesh.