State PCS - Uttar Pradesh (UP PCS)

• 01 Oct 2025

PMUY Beneficiaries to Get Free LPG Refills

Why in News?

The Uttar Pradesh cabinet has approved the distribution of two free LPG cylinders to 18.6 million beneficiary families during Holi and Diwali under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), emphasising the government's support for low-income households.

• This initiative underscores the government's continued commitment to women's health and empowerment, with an estimated cost of Rs 1,385.34 crore for providing the free refills.

Key Points

• About: 
  • The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MOPNG) introduced the ‘Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana’ (PMUY) as a flagship scheme with the objective of making clean cooking fuel, such as LPG, available to the rural and deprived households, which were otherwise using traditional cooking fuels such as firewood, coal, cow-dung cakes, etc. 
• Objectives: 
  • Empowering women and protecting their health. 
  • Reducing the number of deaths in India due to unclean cooking fuel.
  • Preventing young children from a significant number of acute respiratory illnesses caused by indoor air pollution from burning fossil fuels. 
• Features: 
  • The scheme provides financial support of Rs 1600 for each LPG connection to the BPL households. 
  • Along with a deposit-free LPG connection, Ujjwala 2.0 will provide the first refill and a hotplate free of cost to the beneficiaries.
• Benefits of PMUY:
  • The eligible beneficiaries receive a free LPG connection.
  • The beneficiaries also receive a subsidy on the first six refills of 14.2 kg cylinders or eight refills of 5 kg cylinders.
  • The beneficiaries can opt for an EMI facility to pay for the cost of the stove and the first refill.
  • The beneficiaries can also join the PAHAL scheme to receive the subsidy amount directly in their bank accounts.
• Phases of PMUY:
  • Ujjwala 1.0: The scheme, launched on 1st May 2016, aimed to provide 8 Crore LPG connections to deprived households by March 2020.
  • Ujjwala 2.0: To cover the remaining poor households, the Government launched Ujjwala 2.0 in August 2021. 
    • Under Ujjwala 2.0, a special provision was made for migrant families, allowing them to avail a new LPG connection through a self-declaration instead of requiring Proof of Address and Ration Card.
• Consumption Trends: Globally, PMUY is the biggest program of its kind that provides Domestic LPG to more than 10.33 crore poor households at an effective price of just about Rs. 35/Kg. 
• Top States: Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan are the top states leading the PMUY implementation.

Promulgation of District Mineral Foundation Trust Rules

Why in News?

The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet has given approval for the promulgation of the Uttar Pradesh District Mineral Foundation Trust (Third Amendment) Rules, 2025, in line with the revised guidelines of the Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY) issued in January 2024 by the Ministry of Mines.

Key Points

• Objective: The amendment aims to benefit individuals in areas directly affected by mining operations by utilising District Mineral Foundation (DMF) funds for community development and welfare activities.
• Funds Allocation: 70% of DMF funds will be exclusively allocated for drinking water supply, environmental protection, health care, education, and skill development in mining-affected areas.
  • The remaining 30% of funds can be utilised for physical infrastructure, irrigation, alternative energy sources, etc.
• Financial Impact: The promulgation of the revised rules will not impose any financial burden on the state government.
• Monitoring Systems: A state-level monitoring committee will be set up, chaired by the Chief Secretary, to oversee the implementation of works under PMKKKY and ensure effective use of the DMF funds.

District Mineral Foundation (DMF)

• About: As per the Mines and Minerals Development Regulation (Amendment) Act, 2015, in every district affected by mining-related operations, the state government shall, by notification, establish a trust as a non-profit body to be called the District Mineral Foundation.
• DMF Funds: Each mining leaseholder will pay a portion of the royalty, not exceeding one-third of the total royalty, to the DMF, in accordance with the rates prescribed by the Central Government.
• Functioning: The functioning of the DMF Trusts and the utilisation of funds, governed by the respective States’ DMF Rules, incorporates the mandates of the central guideline, PMKKKY.

Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY)

• Nodal Ministry: Launched in 2025, PMKKKY is a scheme by the Ministry of Mines for the welfare of people & affected areas by using the funds accrued under the District Mineral Foundation (DMF). 
• Objectives: Implement welfare projects in mining areas to complement government schemes, mitigate adverse impacts, and ensure sustainable livelihoods.
• PMKKKY 2024 Guidelines: PMKKKY 2024 mandates that at least 70% of DMF funds must be spent on High Priority Sectors, which directly impact the well-being of mining-affected communities.