Kashmir, 24 August ,2025- The Central Government has distributed over 12.6 lakh LPG connections under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) across Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), advancing clean cooking fuel access for rural and underprivileged households. This milestone highlights efforts to improve health, promote environmental sustainability, and foster economic empowerment in the Union Territory.Launched in 2016, PMUY provides free LPG connections to women from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families, with PMUY 2.0 offering subsidised refills. As of July 2025, 12.65 lakh connections have been activated across Kashmir, Jammu, and remote regions like Ladakh and Poonch. A senior official stated that the initiative reflects a commitment to inclusive development, ensuring clean energy reaches every corner of J&K.Beneficiaries report transformative impacts.
A mother from Baramulla shared that switching to LPG eliminated harmful smoke and saved time. Health data from J&K shows a 28% reduction in respiratory issues among PMUY households, while decreased reliance on biomass fuels has curbed deforestation, aligning with India’s climate commitments.The scheme empowers women by reducing time spent gathering fuel, enabling education and income-generating activities.
Digital tools, including a dedicated app, streamline subsidy access, with over ₹1,400 crore disbursed in J&K for refills priced at ₹200. Challenges like delivery in snow-bound areas and limited awareness in tribal regions remain, but partnerships with local NGOs and oil companies are addressing these issues.The government aims for complete LPG saturation in J&K by 2026, with plans to introduce solar stoves in high-altitude areas. An energy expert noted that PMUY serves as a model for equitable energy access in complex regions. As clean fuel adoption grows, the initiative is driving progress and resilience across J&K.
