Most of the poor households in India still uses solid fuels such as coal, wood , cow dung etc which on burning releases toxic gases such as carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, particulate matter that contributes to indoor pollution and causes pulmonary diseases, cataract , lung and other respiratory disorders hence to combat the situation government of India launched ‘Ujjawala Yojna’ under the Ministry of Petroleum and natural gases on 10th March 2016 to promote cleaner fuels such as LPG.

Under this scheme 8,000 crore has been earmarked for providing 50 million LPG connections to poor households which will be implemented in next 3 years where the beneficiaries will be identified using the socio-economic and caste census data.

Reduction in use of solid fuels will lower the air pollution in air and reduce the expanses of health care on poor households which in turn will increase the actual income of people, also the proper implementation of the scheme will increase the energy security of people and reduce incessant cutting of trees for fossil fuels.

But, prolonged and inadequate processes of selection of beneficiaries, lack of awareness in people about the benefits of using LPG, costly refilling and maintenance and malpractices such as selling of LPG cylinders in black market are the major hurdles in the proper implementation of the scheme.

Inspite of the challenges ‘Ujjawala Yojna ’ is a visionary initiative by the government which will help the impoverished sectors of society by empowering them with proper energy source to live a healthier life.