LPG Price Cut: Union Minister Anurag Thakur announced this significant development, emphasizing the government’s ongoing commitment to women’s empowerment and the upliftment of disadvantaged sections of society
New Delhi, 29 August(City Times): LPG Price Cut :The Cabinet’s recent decision to grant an additional subsidy of Rs 200 per Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinder under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) has garnered attention. Union Minister Anurag Thakur announced this significant development, emphasizing the government’s ongoing commitment to women’s empowerment and the upliftment of disadvantaged sections of society.
Empowerment through Decision-Making
Union Minister Anurag Thakur highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently championed women’s causes and empowerment since assuming office in 2014. He underscored that the PMUY has benefitted 9.6 crore women across the nation, marking a significant step towards their socio-economic upliftment.
Price Reduction as a Symbolic Gesture
The reduction of Rs 200 in the price of domestic LPG cylinders, as announced by Prime Minister Modi, stands as a symbolic gesture. Minister Thakur aptly described this move as a “gift” from the Prime Minister to the women of India, timed perfectly with the celebration of Raksha Bandhan. This gesture reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring the well-being of the country’s women.
Extended Outreach: Free Gas Connections
In addition to the subsidy increase, the government has taken another major step towards extending the reach of clean cooking fuel. Minister Thakur disclosed that 75 lakh new gas connections will be established under PMUY, and that too, free of cost. This announcement, made on the eve of Raksha Bandhan and the festival of Onam, brings hope and relief to countless economically vulnerable women.
A Glimpse into PMUY
Launched in May 2016, the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) has emerged as a pivotal social welfare initiative. Its primary objective revolves around providing access to clean cooking fuel for economically disadvantaged women, particularly those who reside below the poverty line. The scheme aims to transform traditional cooking practices that rely on solid fuels like wood, coal, and biomass.
From Solid Fuels to Clean LPG
The Ujjwala Yojana addresses a critical issue: the adverse health effects caused by traditional cooking methods. By offering the safer and cleaner alternative of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), the scheme seeks to eliminate the harmful health impacts associated with indoor air pollution. The use of LPG not only ensures healthier homes but also contributes to a cleaner environment.
Making a Positive Impact
The government’s commitment to providing affordable LPG cylinders to the economically disadvantaged has yielded remarkable results. By providing financial assistance and subsidies, the PMUY has uplifted the lives of millions of women. The scheme has empowered them to adopt cleaner and healthier cooking practices, ultimately leading to improved well-being for their families.
Holistic Impact on Society
The multifaceted impact of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana extends beyond individual households. The reduction in indoor air pollution contributes to a decrease in respiratory ailments, particularly among women and children. Additionally, the increased adoption of LPG reduces the strain on forests caused by the demand for firewood, thus aiding environmental conservation.
Fostering Progress and Equality
The augmentation of the LPG subsidy and the provision of free gas connections align with the government’s commitment to fostering social progress and gender equality. By enabling women to switch to cleaner cooking practices, the PMUY paves the way for improved health outcomes and better quality of life.
Towards a Cleaner Future
As India marches forward on its journey towards development and prosperity, initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana play a pivotal role in ensuring that no one is left behind. The reduction in LPG cylinder prices and the expansion of free gas connections reflect the government’s dedication to creating a cleaner, healthier, and more empowered nation.
A Brighter Path Ahead
The announcement of enhanced subsidies for LPG cylinders and the provision of free gas connections under the PMUY illuminates a path toward a brighter and more equitable future for India. Prime Minister Modi’s commitment to women’s empowerment and his visionary approach to social welfare resonate strongly through initiatives like these. As the nation embraces cleaner cooking practices, the impact will reverberate positively across households, communities, and the environment at large.
