The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) is an initiative designed to provide LPG gas cylinders to rural and economically disadvantaged households in India. This program aims to promote cleaner cooking fuels and reduce reliance on traditional biomass fuels.
According to recent data, one out of every four PMUY beneficiaries either did not take any cylinders or only refilled once during the year 2022-2023. This statistic raises concerns about the program's effectiveness in promoting consistent use of LPG.
A significant factor contributing to the low refill rates is the surge in LPG cylinder prices. Since 2018, prices have nearly doubled, reaching ₹903 per cylinder in March 2023, even after accounting for a ₹200 subsidy. This increase has made it financially challenging for many beneficiaries to afford regular refills.
Data reveals that over 1.18 crore households, equivalent to one in nine PMUY beneficiaries, did not purchase any refill cylinders last year. This indicates a troubling trend regarding the accessibility and affordability of cooking gas for rural families.
From January 2018 to March 2023, the rate of subsidized LPG cylinders saw an 82% increase. For instance, the price of a cylinder that was ₹495.64 in January 2018 escalated to ₹903 by March 2023. Such price hikes significantly impact the affordability for rural consumers.
In contrast, the non-subsidized LPG cylinder cost ₹741 in January 2018, which rose to ₹1,103 by March 2023—a 49% increase. The substantial gap between subsidized and non-subsidized rates poses additional challenges for households that are unable to access subsidies.
On average, PMUY beneficiaries refilled their LPG cylinders less than four times during the 2022-2023 period. In comparison, non-PMUY consumers managed to refill about 6.67 times on average, highlighting the disparity in usage patterns.
The decision regarding the subsidy for LPG cylinders is not made by the Oil Marketing Companies. Instead, it is based on the difference between the retail selling price linked to international LPG prices and the subsidized cost for consumers, as determined by the government.
Subsidies play a crucial role for PMUY beneficiaries. The rise in LPG prices means that without these subsidies, the cost burden would fall entirely on consumers, rendering LPG unaffordable for many. This support is essential for ensuring that the benefits of the PMUY reach those who need them the most.
The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana serves an important purpose in improving access to clean cooking gas for rural households. However, the challenges posed by rising LPG prices necessitate ongoing evaluation and potential adjustments to the subsidy framework to ensure its sustainability and impact.
Q1. What is the primary purpose of PMUY?
Answer: The primary purpose of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana is to provide LPG gas cylinders to rural and underprivileged households, promoting cleaner cooking alternatives.
Q2. How many PMUY beneficiaries did not refill their cylinders in 2022-2023?
Answer: In 2022-2023, one in four PMUY beneficiaries either did not take any refills or only refilled once, reflecting affordability issues.
Q3. What factors contribute to the increase in LPG cylinder prices?
Answer: The increase in LPG cylinder prices is influenced by global oil price fluctuations and domestic market factors, significantly impacting affordability for beneficiaries.
Q4. How often do PMUY beneficiaries refill their cylinders on average?
Answer: PMUY beneficiaries typically refill their LPG cylinders less than four times a year, compared to non-PMUY consumers who refill approximately 6.67 times.
Q5. Why are subsidies crucial for PMUY beneficiaries?
Answer: Subsidies are essential for PMUY beneficiaries as they help mitigate the impact of rising LPG prices, making cooking gas more affordable and accessible.
Question 1: What does PMUY stand for?
A) Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana
B) Pradhan Mantri Ujjwal Yojana
C) Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana Act
D) Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Program
Correct Answer: A
Question 2: How much did the subsidized LPG cylinder price increase from January 2018 to March 2023?
A) 50%
B) 75%
C) 82%
D) 90%
Correct Answer: C
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