Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana Relaunched in West Bengal After Three Years The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, a central government initiative aimed at providing free LPG connections to Below Poverty Line households, has been reintroduced in West Bengal after nearly three years. The decision was announced by Chief Minister Shubhendu Adhikari following the formation of the new BJP-led state government. Adhikari stated that the scheme, now in its 3.0 version, will focus on expanding access to rural and economically disadvantaged communities. He highlighted that the previous government had not connected new beneficiaries to the central scheme, leaving a gap in the program’s reach. According to data from the Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell, as of April 1, West Bengal had only 1.23 crore registered beneficiaries under the scheme, significantly lower than Uttar Pradesh’s 1.9 crore. Nationally, the scheme has benefited approximately 10.58 crore households. The new government has pledged to address this shortfall by integrating the state into the central program and forming a joint committee to expedite the process. However, challenges remain, including the shortage of gas cylinders and rising prices, which have complicated the implementation of the scheme. The Ujjwala Yojana provides beneficiaries with subsidized LPG cylinders, with additional financial support from the central government. For instance, in Kolkata and urban areas, beneficiaries receive a total subsidy of ₹939 per year, while rural households get ₹19.57. Industry representatives have expressed concerns that while the relaunch is a positive step, ensuring that the benefits reach the intended beneficiaries remains a critical challenge.#west_bengal #bjp #pradhan_mantri_ujjwala_yojana #shubhendu_adhikari #petroleum_planning_and_analysis_cell
