Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana
The central government has introduced several schemes to bolster women’s welfare, with the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana being a notable initiative. This program grants a subsidy of Rs 300 per gas cylinder to economically disadvantaged women. Typically, a gas cylinder costs Rs 803, but with this subsidy, the price is reduced to Rs 503. This subsidy will continue until March 31, 2024. Since its inception in 2016, over 9 crore women have benefited from this scheme.
Maharashtra’s New Gas Cylinder Benefit
Complementing the central scheme, the Maharashtra government is launching a new benefit for women, coinciding with the upcoming assembly elections. Under the “Mukhyamantri Meri Ladli Behan Yojana,” women will receive three free gas cylinders annually. This is in addition to the Rs 1500 monthly support already provided by the scheme.
Eligibility and Implementation
To qualify for the free cylinders, women must already have an existing gas connection. Only one family member per household can receive this benefit. Eligible families will receive three 14.2 kg cylinders free of charge each year. However, ration card holders issued after July 1, 2024, will not be eligible. The state government will directly deposit the benefit amount into the beneficiaries’ bank accounts, supplementing the existing central government subsidy.
