What You'll Learn
- ✓ Complete side-by-side comparison table of Ujjwala 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 versions.
- ✓ Evolution of benefits, eligibility, subsidy amounts, and target beneficiaries from 2016 to 2026.
- ✓ What's new in Ujjwala 3.0 specifically for West Bengal — 11 lakh pending, ₹300 subsidy, free stove.
- ✓ National impact data — 10.55 crore connections, West Bengal's 8.8M+ beneficiaries, and per capita consumption trends.
The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana has undergone three major versions since its launch in 2016. From targeting 8 crore BPL women in 1.0 to covering migrants with self-declaration in 2.0 to the latest West Bengal-focused 3.0 launch with 11 lakh pending clearance and enhanced subsidies — each version has expanded the scheme's reach and benefits. This complete comparison covers every parameter: launch date, target, benefits, eligibility, subsidy evolution, and state-wise impact.
Ujjwala 1.0 vs 2.0 vs 3.0 — Complete Comparison Table
| Parameter | Ujjwala 1.0 (2016) | Ujjwala 2.0 (2021) | Ujjwala 3.0 (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Launch Date | May 1, 2016 (National) | August 10, 2021 (National) | May 12, 2026 (WB) / Sep 2025 (National) |
| Target | 8 crore connections | 1 crore + 60 lakh + 75 lakh | 25 lakh national + 11 lakh pending (WB) |
| Achieved | 8 crore by Sep 2019 | Achieved July 2024 | 10.55 crore total as of May 20, 2026 |
| Connection Benefits | Deposit-free connection (cylinder, regulator, hose, DGCC, installation) | Deposit-free connection + Free first refill + Free stove | Deposit-free connection + Free first refill + Free stove |
| Subsidy per Refill | ₹200 (2016-2023) | ₹200 → ₹300 (from Oct 2023) | ₹300 (continued) |
| Subsidized Refills/Year | 12 cylinders | 12 cylinders | 9 cylinders (FY 2025-26) |
| Eligibility | BPL women 18+, no existing LPG | BPL + Migrant families (self-declaration) + SC/ST/PMAY/AAY | Same as 2.0 + pending applications + expanded coverage |
| Migrant Provision | Not available | Self-declaration allowed (no ration card needed) | Continued from 2.0 |
| Govt Cost/Connection | ₹1,600 | ₹1,600 | ₹2,050 |
| Total Budget | ₹12,800 crore | ₹3,200 crore (additional) | ₹676 crore (25 lakh connections) + ₹12,000 cr (subsidy) |
| eKYC Requirement | Not mandatory | Advised | Mandatory for subsidy |
| West Bengal Impact | 8.8M+ beneficiaries | 8.8M continued | 11 lakh pending + 15 lakh more announced |
Subsidy Evolution: From ₹200 to ₹300
The LPG subsidy for Ujjwala beneficiaries has increased significantly over the years:
- May 2022: ₹200 per 14.2 kg cylinder introduced under PAHAL (DBTL).
- October 2023: Increased from ₹200 to ₹300 per cylinder — a 50% hike.
- FY 2025-26: ₹300 continued, but subsidized refills reduced from 12 to 9 per year.
- Annual Subsidy Cap: ₹2,700 per year (9 refills × ₹300) for PMUY beneficiaries.
- Non-PMUY consumers: Get only ~₹19.57 subsidy per refill — Ujjwala beneficiaries get 15x more.
National Impact Statistics
| Metric | Value | Source/Date |
|---|---|---|
| Total PMUY Connections | 10.55 crore | pmuy.gov.in, May 20, 2026 |
| Latest Extension | 25 lakh additional connections | PIB, Sep 2025 |
| Top State (Connections) | Uttar Pradesh: 14.6M | PIB/Press Note |
| 2nd Largest State | West Bengal: 8.8M+ | PIB, OMC Data |
| Per Capita Consumption | 4.43 cylinders/year (FY 2024-25) | Ministry Data |
| Total Domestic LPG Consumers | 32.94 crore | Ministry, Mar 2025 |
| Subsidy Outlay (FY 2025-26) | ₹12,000 crore | PIB |
What's New in Ujjwala 3.0 for West Bengal
- 11 lakh pending applications from TMC era being cleared on priority.
- 15 lakh more women to be covered (CM announcement on May 21, 2026).
- Free gas stove (hotplate) along with connection — not just deposit-free connection.
- ₹300 subsidy per 14.2 kg refill (up from ₹200 in 2022).
- 12 subsidized cylinders/year (9 for FY 2025-26 national but WB may have different allocation).
- Self-declaration for migrant families continued from 2.0.
- District-wise implementation with priority to districts with lowest LPG penetration.
Conclusion
The journey of Ujjwala Yojana from 1.0 to 3.0 reflects India's commitment to providing clean cooking fuel to every household. Starting with 8 crore target in 2016 and reaching 10.55 crore connections by 2026, the scheme has transformed the lives of millions of women. The West Bengal-specific Ujjwala 3.0 launch addresses the long-pending 11 lakh applications and extends benefits to 15 lakh more women. Understanding the differences between versions helps beneficiaries know their entitlements and what's new in each phase.
Last Updated: May 23, 2026 | Source: Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (Official Website), Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas