PM Ujjwala Yojana: Can Two Women from the Same Family Get Free LPG Cylinders? Know the Rules

The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), launched in 2016 by the Government of India, has revolutionized access to clean cooking fuel for millions of underprivileged women. Designed to eliminate health hazards from traditional cooking methods and promote the use of LPG, this flagship welfare scheme continues to raise important questions—one of the most common being: Can two women from the same family receive free gas connections under PMUY?

Objective of the Ujjwala Yojana

The Ujjwala Yojana was introduced to empower women and protect them from the harmful effects of smoke emitted by wood, cow dung, and coal stoves. By providing free LPG connections, stoves, and the first cylinder refill, the government has significantly improved the standard of living for low-income households, especially in rural India.

Is Multiple Benefit Allowed Within a Single Family?

The short answer: No, under normal circumstances, only one gas connection per family is allowed under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana.

As per official guidelines, the scheme is family-centric, not individual-centric. This means that once a connection is issued to one female member of a household, no other member from the same family is eligible for another free connection.

Exceptions to the Rule

However, there are exceptions where a second connection may be permitted, subject to strict verification:

• Separate Residences: If the women reside in different households.

• Different Ration Cards: Each applicant must hold a unique ration card.

• Distinct Family Identity: For instance, a married daughter residing with her in-laws may qualify as a separate family unit.

• Thorough Verification: All documents, including Aadhaar, bank account details, residential proof, and family identity documents, are carefully vetted by the gas agencies and oil companies.

These exceptions ensure that the benefits reach genuinely deserving individuals while maintaining the integrity of the scheme.

How to Apply for PMUY?

Women eligible for the Ujjwala Yojana can apply either offline at their nearest gas agency or online via the official website . Required documents include:

• Aadhaar Card

• Bank Passbook

• Ration Card

• Passport-sized photograph

Once verified, the eligible woman receives a free LPG connection, a stove, and the first LPG cylinder at no cost.