86 per cent Ujjwala beneficiaries return to claim 2nd refill

As per Petroleum Minister Mr Dharmendra Pradhan, around 86 per cent recipients of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), under which free LPG connection were given, have returned to buy the second cylinder.

Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have authorized more than 9,000 LPG distributorships to make LPG easily accessible and distributed to customers in last five years. OMC have notified that of around 86 per cent of PMUY beneficiaries who are benefited and has been at least one year old have returned for second fill.

PMUY beneficiaries are applicable for subsidy that is directly transferred into their bank account under PAHAL scheme. 

The petroleum minister also said that in order to boost PMUY beneficiaries to implement and use LPG on sustained basis, OMCs have taken actions which comprises like offering swap facility to provide small 5 kg cylinder against 14.2 kg cylinder as per the requirement, conducting Pradhan Mantri LPG Panchayat to teach beneficiaries on the benefits of sustained use of LPG and its safe practises.

They have also included steps like launching audio visual media campaign to spread awareness on advantages of use of LPG, targeted SMS campaign to reach the one who have not returned after one fill, display banners and hoardings at public places.

The implementation of usage of LPG by a beneficiary of PMUY involves behavioural change and also depends on several factors which include food habits, cooking habits, price of LPG, availability of free firewood, cow dung etc.

The minister also said according to a study there has been 20 per cent reduction in cases of chest congestion in the country after the implementation of PMUY. 

Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.