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In a big relief for families ahead of Holi and Ramzan, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced that the state government will provide free LPG cylinder refills to beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY). This initiative aims to ensure that people can celebrate these festivals without financial burden.
Speaking at a subsidy distribution program in Lucknow, CM Adityanath stated that Rs 1,890 crore has been allocated to help 1.86 crore beneficiaries avail of this benefit before Holi. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for launching the Ujjwala Yojana in 2016, which has provided free LPG connections to 10 crore families across India, including nearly 2 crore households in Uttar Pradesh.
Govt’s Commitment to Free LPG for Festive Seasons
The Chief Minister highlighted that the UP government had promised free gas cylinders to every Ujjwala beneficiary during Diwali and Holi, and the scheme is being implemented with an annual budget of Rs 3,760 crore.
“Since both Holi and Ramzan are being observed, every beneficiary can avail of this scheme,” he said, calling it a “gift from the government”.
Before the Ujjwala Yojana, CM Adityanath said people struggled to get LPG connections, often paying bribes of up to Rs 25,000. Even after securing a connection, getting refills was difficult. "Today, this scheme ensures that women do not have to suffer from harmful smoke while cooking," he added.
Other Key Announcements by CM Yogi
Apart from the free LPG scheme, the CM also spoke about other welfare programs:
- 80,000 ration shops in UP now use electronic Point of Sale (ePOS) machines to prevent corruption.
- 15 crore people in UP benefit from the Centre’s free ration scheme.
- Mukhyamantri Kanya Sumangala Yojana supports 22 lakh girls with Rs 25,000 each for education and welfare.
- Mukhyamantri Samuhik Vivah Yojana, which has helped 4 lakh girls get married, will now increase financial aid from Rs 35,000 to Rs 1 lakh starting in April.
- Free scooters will be given to top-performing female students in board exams.
- Hostels for working women will be set up in every district, named after Ahilyabai Holkar.
- Low-cost canteens will be established in procurement markets to provide affordable meals to farmers.
UP’s Economic Growth Under Modi’s Leadership
CM Adityanath also spoke about UP’s economic transformation, saying that under PM Modi’s leadership, the state has grown from a ‘BIMARU’ state to India’s second-largest economy. The minimum support price (MSP) of wheat has been increased by Rs 150 per quintal, benefiting farmers across the state.
With these initiatives, the UP government aims to provide financial relief and improve the quality of life for millions of people in the state.
