Lucknow: Just before Holi, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath distributed a subsidy of Rs 1890 crore for gas cylinder refills to 1.86 crore eligible families in the state under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana. The scheme was launched at Lok Bhawan Auditorium in Lucknow, where CM Yogi pressed a button to initiate the subsidy distribution. Ministers-in-charge from all districts of Uttar Pradesh also participated in the event via video conferencing.
Speaking at the event, CM Yogi said that while earlier people had to pay bribes to get a gas connection, today, 10 crore families in the country have received it for free. Additionally, free gas cylinders are being provided during festivals like Holi and Diwali. He highlighted that since Holi and Ramzan coincide this year, people from all communities will benefit from the initiative.
Government Committed to Welfare of the Poor: CM Yogi
CM Yogi Adityanath emphasized that the Ujjwala Yojana, launched in 2016, has provided free LPG connections to 10 crore families across the country, with nearly 2 crore beneficiaries in Uttar Pradesh alone. He recalled the 2021 election promise of providing free gas cylinders during Holi and Diwali and affirmed that the scheme has been continued every year since 2022 to ensure people can celebrate their festivals without any difficulty.
Bribes for Gas Connections a Thing of the Past
Reflecting on the past, CM Yogi recalled that people had to pay bribes of Rs 25,000 to Rs 30,000 for a gas connection, and even then, they struggled to get cylinders during festivals. He reiterated that the scheme is designed to protect poor women from smoke-related health hazards, ensuring equal benefits to all.
15 Crore People Receiving Free Ration
The Chief Minister further stated that 80,000 ration dealers in Uttar Pradesh are distributing free ration to 15 crore people through 3.6 crore ration cards. Since 2017, e-PoS machines have been introduced for transparent ration distribution, eliminating black marketing. He noted that free ration distribution started during the COVID-19 pandemic and has continued for five years, benefiting 80 crore people nationwide and 15 crore in Uttar Pradesh every month.
Special Schemes for Girls and Farmers
CM Yogi highlighted the government’s initiatives for the welfare of girls and farmers. So far, 22 lakh girls have received Rs 25,000 each for education, and 4 lakh girls have been married under the Mukhyamantri Samuhik Vivah Yojana. Starting in April, financial assistance for girls’ marriages will be increased to Rs 1 lakh. Additionally, meritorious girls will be provided with scooters after board exam results, and working women will receive residential facilities under the Ahilyabai Holkar Scheme. For farmers, the wheat procurement price has been increased by Rs 150 to Rs 2,425 per quintal.
Construction of Over 2,000 Annapurna Buildings Underway
CM Yogi revealed that ration shops in rural areas are being transformed into Annapurna buildings, offering essential commodities, electricity bill payment services, and warehouse facilities. Construction of over 2,000 Annapurna buildings is in progress. Village secretariats are also providing online services for income, caste, birth, and death certificates.
UP’s Economic Growth and Mahakumbh Mentioned
The Chief Minister asserted that Uttar Pradesh, once considered a backward state, is now India’s second-largest economy. He projected that by 2027, India will become the world’s third-largest economy. He also mentioned the recently concluded Mahakumbh, which saw participation from over 66 crore people, showcasing Uttar Pradesh’s capabilities. He praised government officials and employees for their collective efforts in making the event successful, thereby enhancing the state’s reputation globally.
CM Appeals for Ujjwala Scheme Registrations
CM Yogi urged those who have not yet registered for the Ujjwala scheme to do so at the earliest. He also called for peaceful Holi celebrations. At the end of the event, the Chief Minister posed for photographs with beneficiaries and officials from gas provider companies.
Transforming Prayagraj: From Mafia Rule to Modernization
During the event, Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak, Finance Minister Suresh Khanna, Cabinet Minister Satish Chandra Sharma, Mayor Sushma Kharkwal, MLC Mukesh Sharma, Ramchandra Pradhan, Engineer Avneesh, and MLAs Neeraj Vohra, Yogesh Shukla, Jaydevi, and Surendra Maithani were present. Public representatives and government officials across all 75 districts participated in the program, along with officials from the Food and Civil Supplies Department.
Symbolic Checks Presented to 10 Beneficiaries
During the ceremony, CM Yogi handed over symbolic checks to 10 beneficiaries, including Mamta Mishra, Rampata, Rehanuma Begum, Rubina, Shweta Singh, Roopa, Sonam Shukla, Gudiya, Mamta, and Shikha Gautam. Videos highlighting the Ujjwala scheme and Mahakumbh were also screened at the event.
