UP government to distribute free LPG cylinders under Ujjwala Yojana ahead of festival

In a move aimed at providing festive relief to poor households, the Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government is all set to distribute another slice of free LPG cylinders to beneficiaries under Pradhan Mantri ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) ahead of Diwali. The decision, seen as both a welfare push and a strategic boost to women voters, comes as part of the state’s ongoing efforts to promote clean cooking fuel among rural families.

Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Ballia in May 2016 ujjwala The scheme has provided over 1.8 crore LPG connections to women in Uttar Pradesh so far. The initiative aims to eliminate dependence on traditional, polluting fuels such as wood and cow dung, improve health outcomes and reduce indoor air pollution.

1500 million Rupees were allocated to the state budget

According to Food and Civil Supplies Department officials, the UP government has allocated Rs 1500 Million for free LPG cylinder distribution program in 2025.–26 fiscal years. To ensure smooth and timely implementation, Rs 346 crore out of this has been released as the first installment. Civil Supplies Minister Satish Sharma confirmed that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will officially launch the new round of distribution on Wednesday.

The government has instructed officials to ensure that funds are used efficiently and are not parked in banks. Beneficiaries whose identities are verified through Aadhaar data will benefit from the assistance in coordination with oil marketing companies.

A strategic prosperity move before Diwali

The announcement reflects the BJP’s earlier strategy of aligning outreach measures with festive events to strengthen grassroots outreach. ujjwala The scheme, which is credited with empowering women voters, played a key role in the BJP’s landslide victory in the 2017 UP assembly elections, a playbook that the party looks set to revisit this Diwali.