In a significant boost to household energy access, the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana has extended its benefits to 251 employees of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). These workers received free LPG connections complete with stoves and cylinders, marking a milestone in the scheme’s outreach to urban service providers.
The distribution ceremony underscored the government’s commitment to clean cooking fuel for all. MCD Commissioner Gyanesh Bharti handed over the kits, highlighting how this initiative alleviates the daily struggles of low-income families reliant on traditional fuels like wood or coal. ‘This is more than just a gas connection; it’s a step towards healthier lives and reduced environmental pollution,’ Bharti stated.
Launched in 2016, PMUY aims to safeguard women’s health by providing LPG to BPL households. Over 10 crore connections have been issued nationwide, with Delhi’s MCD employees now joining millions of beneficiaries. The scheme, now in its expanded phase, covers even those previously excluded.
For MCD’s sanitation and field staff, often from marginalized communities, this comes as a relief. No longer will they face smoke-filled kitchens or the drudgery of firewood collection. Experts note that LPG adoption cuts indoor air pollution by up to 90%, preventing respiratory diseases.
The event also spotlighted future plans. Officials revealed intentions to cover more civic workers, aligning with PMUY 2.0’s goal of universal coverage by 2024. Beneficiaries expressed gratitude, sharing stories of transformed routines. One sanitation worker said, ‘Cooking is now quick and safe for my children.’
As India pushes for sustainable energy, such targeted distributions exemplify inclusive growth. This move not only empowers MCD employees but reinforces the scheme’s role in India’s green transition, ensuring no one is left behind in the march towards a smoke-free future.