UP CM Yogi's Diwali Gift Brings Joy to Millions of Women — Free LPG Refills Under Ujjwala Yojana

This Diwali, the women of Uttar Pradesh have received a festive surprise from Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. In a major welfare move, the state government has announced two free LPG refills for millions of beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana. This initiative aims to empower women, provide economic relief to poor families, and promote the use of clean energy across rural and urban areas of the state.

A Festive Gift for 1.86 Crore Families

The announcement was made ahead of Diwali celebrations, bringing cheer to over 1.86 crore households in Uttar Pradesh. These families had earlier received LPG connections under the Ujjwala Yojana, launched by the Central Government in May 2016, to replace traditional cooking fuels like wood, coal, and cow dung with cleaner alternatives.

The scheme not only improved kitchen conditions but also significantly reduced health hazards caused by smoke inhalation, especially among women and children. Uttar Pradesh has emerged as a leading state in implementing this initiative.

Two Free Refills in Two Phases

The Yogi government has decided to provide two free LPG refills per year to all Ujjwala beneficiaries during the financial year 2025–26. Distribution will take place in two phases —

• First Phase: October 2025 to December 2025

• Second Phase: January 2026 to March 2026

For this purpose, the state government has allocated a budget of ₹1,500 crore to ensure smooth execution and timely delivery.

Priority to Aadhaar-Verified Beneficiaries

In the first phase, only Aadhaar-verified beneficiaries are eligible for the free refills. Currently, around 1.23 crore Ujjwala connections in the state have completed Aadhaar verification.

To ensure proper coordination and transparency, the state government is working closely with all three major oil companies — Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum. An advance payment of ₹346.34 crore has already been released to these companies to avoid any delays in distribution.

How Beneficiaries Will Receive the Free Refills

Beneficiaries will initially purchase their LPG refill at the regular subsidized rate (14.2 kg cylinder). Within 3–4 days, the subsidy amount for the refill will be directly credited to their Aadhaar-linked bank accounts by the oil companies. Both the Central and State Governments will contribute to this subsidy.

Additionally, those using 5 kg cylinders will be allowed to upgrade to 14.2 kg cylinders, ensuring uniform benefits. Beneficiaries with a single connection will also be covered under this scheme.

Special Aadhaar Verification Drive

For beneficiaries whose Aadhaar verification is still pending, the state administration and oil companies have launched a special verification campaign. SMS alerts are being sent to customers, and dedicated verification apps and systems are being deployed at distributors’ centers.

To make the process more accessible, extra laptops, banners, and awareness campaigns are being used at LPG centers. A roster-based system has also been introduced to streamline verification and prevent delays.

Strict Monitoring and Grievance Redressal System

The government has established two levels of monitoring committees —

• At the state level, a committee headed by the Food Commissioner will review the scheme’s implementation.

• At the district level, committees chaired by District Magistrates will conduct weekly reviews to ensure effective execution.

A dedicated grievance redressal system will also handle consumer complaints and ensure that every eligible woman receives her benefit without hassle.

Ensuring Full Gas Distribution and Weight Compliance

To maintain transparency, the government has directed oil companies to ensure that each cylinder supplied weighs 14.2 kg in full. If any discrepancy in weight is found, distributors will be required to replace the cylinder immediately at their own cost. The Weights and Measures Department and local authorities have been instructed to conduct regular inspections.

Empowering Women and Promoting Clean Energy

The Yogi government’s decision comes at a time when global fuel prices are rising, posing challenges for economically weaker households. This move will not only ease financial pressure on women but also encourage wider adoption of clean cooking fuel, improving both health and environmental conditions in rural areas.

By ensuring that every household has access to clean and affordable energy, the Uttar Pradesh government is reaffirming its commitment to women’s welfare, social justice, and sustainable development.

This Diwali, as lamps illuminate homes across the state, the government’s gesture ensures that the kitchens of millions of mothers and sisters in Uttar Pradesh also glow with warmth, light, and happiness.