Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a significant announcement on Friday, coinciding with International Women’s Day, stating that his government would reduce LPG cylinder prices by ₹100. This move is aimed at easing the financial burden on households and supporting the well-being of families, particularly women. PM Modi emphasized that by making cooking gas more affordable, his government is committed to empowering women and ensuring an “Ease of Living” for all citizens.
The decision to reduce LPG cylinder prices comes amidst the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, indicating the government’s efforts to address the concerns of the electorate, particularly regarding essential commodities like cooking gas. Additionally, in a bid to provide further relief to the economically vulnerable sections, the government has extended the ₹300 per LPG cylinder subsidy under the Ujjwala Yojana for the next fiscal year starting April 1.
The Ujjwala Yojana, launched by the PM Modi-led NDA regime in May 2016, aims to provide deposit-free LPG connections to adult women from poor households. While the initial connection is provided free of cost, beneficiaries are required to purchase LPG refills at market prices. To alleviate the financial burden on these households, the government had earlier provided a subsidy of ₹200 per cylinder to PMUY beneficiaries, which was subsequently increased to ₹300 in October 2023.
The decision to extend the ₹300 per cylinder subsidy for another year is expected to benefit nearly 10 crore families and will incur a cost of ₹12,000 crore to the government. This move reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring access to clean cooking fuel for all sections of society, particularly those from marginalized communities.
The reduction in LPG cylinder prices and the extension of subsidies under the Ujjwala Yojana are likely to have a positive impact on the lives of millions of households across the country, especially women who often bear the responsibility of managing household expenses. By reducing the financial burden associated with cooking gas, the government aims to improve the quality of life and promote gender equality by empowering women economically.
It is noteworthy that the government’s decision to reduce cooking gas prices and extend subsidies comes at a time when fuel prices are on the rise globally. By providing relief to consumers through targeted subsidies and price reductions, the government demonstrates its commitment to addressing the concerns of the common citizen and ensuring inclusive development.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement to reduce LPG cylinder prices and extend subsidies under the Ujjwala Yojana underscores the government’s focus on addressing the needs of the people, especially women and economically vulnerable sections. These measures not only aim to ease the financial burden on households but also contribute to the broader goal of promoting inclusive growth and sustainable development.