Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana fulfills dream of 36 lakh women for smoke-free kitchen

Raipur. Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana has provided 36.76 lakh LPG cylinder connections to eligible women in the state, which has transformed their lives. Before this initiative, they relied on wood, coal, and cow-dung cakes to prepare meals. The smoke from the traditional chulhas caused them various health issues including irritation in their eyes. Now, under Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai’s government, their kitchen underwent a transformative shift, becoming free from smoke and allowing them to prepare meals for their family effortlessly. They can now quickly prepare meals and allocate time for other tasks. Under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, the government has provided LPG gas cylinder connections to 36 lakh 76 thousand women in the state.

Nanhi Bai, a 60-year-old member of the Birhor community and resident of Bhuiyapani village under the Lailunga Development Block of Raigarh district, received the benefits of an LPG gas cylinder connection under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana. She expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister and shared that this scheme has relieved her of the exhausting task of collecting firewood from the jungle. PM Ujjwala Yojana brought an unexpected positive change in her old-age life and freed her from the unhealthy smoke as well.

Under the Prime Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, residents of Baikunthpur in the Koriya district, including 30-year-old Rambai, 55-year-old Manakunwar, 25-year-old Durga, 35-year-old Phoolbasan, and 31-year-old Usha, shared their experiences and expressed gratitude for transforming their lives by providing LPG cylinder connections. Some are rejoicing in the freedom from unhealthy smoke that was integral to the cooking carried out with traditional chulhas, while some are valuing the saving of time and effort that went into collecting firewood from the jungle.

Phoolbasan Bai stated that cooking with a gas stove has become quite easy and utensils also do not turn black. Usha Bai is inspiring other eligible beneficiaries to avail of the benefits of the scheme. This scheme is beneficial not only for the family but also for the environment. With the availability of gas stoves, deforestation will also be reduced, and greenery will be preserved.