Free LPG Connections Reduce Smoke and Save Time for Gujarat Women

Gujarat’s rural households have witnessed a dramatic shift thanks to the Prime Minister’s Ujjwala Yojana, which provides free LPG connections and subsidised gas cylinders to women from low‑income families. The initiative eliminates the reliance on traditional wood‑fuel stoves, cutting down indoor smoke and the health hazards it brings.

In Banaskantha’s Ghaanta village, women previously endured long walks to collect firewood and coped with thick smoke that caused eye irritation and chronic breathing problems. The introduction of LPG stoves has streamlined cooking, allowing meals to be prepared faster and in a cleaner environment.

Beneficiaries like Meenaben Dhamor report, “The gas cylinder has changed my daily routine. No more wood, no more smoke, and my eyes are no longer irritated.” Manishaben Sagia emphasizes the financial advantage, noting that the government’s subsidy makes each cylinder affordable, especially during the rainy season when wood is hard to source.

Healthcare professionals in the area have observed a noticeable drop in cases of COPD and asthma among women, directly linked to reduced exposure to carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides. The scheme has activated roughly two lakh LPG connections in Banaskantha, disbursing over six crore rupees in subsidies to the beneficiaries.

Overall, the Ujjwala Scheme has improved living standards, contributed to environmental conservation by reducing forest depletion, and empowered women with more time for education and livelihood activities. As the programme marks ten years, it continues to benefit over 44 lakh poor women across Gujarat and more than 10.5 crore women nationwide.