Impact of PMUY in Jammu and Kashmir

• 14 Nov 2024

Why in News?

A study was conducted to assess the impact of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) in Jammu and Kashmir.

• Under the scheme the government has distributed 10.3 crore Liquified Petroleum Gas connections.

Key Points

• Methodology and Aim of the Study:
  • The study collected primary data from 820 households across 48 villages in Kulgam and Rajouri, two relatively disadvantaged districts in J&K.
    • This study investigates the PMUY's impact on clean cooking fuel adoption in the districts, focusing on socio-economic and health outcomes, barriers to exclusive LPG use, and the role of awareness.
  • The sample includes representation from various economic groups:
    • Above Poverty Line (APL), Below Poverty Line (BPL), and Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households.
• Findings of the Study:
  • LPG Connection Adoption:
    • In rural J&K, 85.07% of households have official LPG connections, with 68% of these obtained through the PMUY.
    • Only 4.41% of rural households, primarily in hilly areas like Rajouri, lack access to LPG, while 10.53% rely on unofficial connections.
    • Despite increased LPG availability, traditional cooking methods remain common:
      • 92% of households still use traditional chulhas, and 85% engage in fuel stacking by using both solid fuels and LPG.
  • Health Benefits for PMUY Beneficiaries:
    • PMUY adoption has led to significant health improvements for women, by reducing exposure to smoke from traditional fuels.
    • Among BPL households, respiratory issues were reduced.
    • AAY households also saw reduced health issues from 13% among non-beneficiaries to 10% for beneficiaries.
  • Barriers to Exclusive LPG Usage:
    • Lack of awareness remains a barrier, with 47% of households unaware of solid fuel health risks.
    • The cost of LPG refills is prohibitive for many, leading to fuel stacking with cheaper solid fuels.
      • Fuel stacking remains common in 85% of households, highlighting the need for additional financial support.
  • Recommendations:
    • Expanding the LPG distribution network in rural areas and providing additional financial support for refills can further promote clean fuel adoption and reduce reliance on solid fuels.

Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)

• About:
  • The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, introduced the ‘Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana’ (PMUY) as a flagship scheme with the objective of making clean cooking fuel such as LPG available to the rural and deprived households which were otherwise using traditional cooking fuels such as firewood, coal, cow-dung cakes etc.
    • Usage of traditional cooking fuels had detrimental impacts on the health of rural women as well as on the environment.
• Objectives:
  • Empowering women and protecting their health.
  • Reducing the number of deaths in India due to unclean cooking fuel.
  • Preventing young children from a significant number of acute respiratory illnesses caused due to indoor air pollution by burning fossil fuel.
• Features:
  • The scheme provides a financial support of Rs 1600 for each LPG connection to the BPL households.
  • Along with a deposit-free LPG connection, Ujjwala 2.0 will provide the first refill and a Stove, free of cost to the beneficiaries.