Ahead of Holi, on Wednesday, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath distributed ₹1,890 crore in subsidies for gas cylinder refills to 1.86 crore eligible families in Uttar Pradesh under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana. The initiative was officially launched at the Lok Bhavan Auditorium in Lucknow, where the CM symbolically handed over cheques to 10 beneficiaries, including Mamta Mishra, Rampata, Rahnuma Begum, Rubina, Shweta Singh, Rupa, Sonam Shukla, Gudiya, Mamta, and Shikha Gautam.
Addressing the event, CM Yogi highlighted the transformation brought by the Ujjwala Yojana, emphasizing that while gas connections once required hefty bribes, today, 10 crore families nationwide have received them free of cost. He also noted that free gas cylinders are being provided on Holi and Diwali, ensuring that citizens can celebrate their festivals with ease. With Holi and Ramzan coinciding this year, he stressed that the scheme would benefit even more families.
Recalling the launch of the Ujjwala Yojana in 2016, CM Yogi mentioned that nearly two crore families in Uttar Pradesh have benefited from it. He reaffirmed the BJP government’s 2021 election promise of providing free gas cylinders during Holi and Diwali, stating that this commitment has been honored every year since 2022.
The CM also reflected on past hardships, stating that earlier, people had to pay bribes of ₹25,000-30,000 for gas connections, and cylinders were often unavailable during festivals. He reiterated that the scheme was introduced to protect underprivileged women from smoke-related health hazards while ensuring that benefits reached everyone fairly.
Speaking about food security, CM Yogi emphasized that 80,000 ration dealers in Uttar Pradesh are distributing free rations to 15 crore people through 3.6 crore ration cards. Since 2017, e-POS machines have improved transparency in the ration distribution system, curbing black marketing. Nationwide, 80 crore people, including 15 crore in Uttar Pradesh, have received free rations every month for the past five years, including during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Highlighting his government’s commitment to welfare, he mentioned that 22 lakh daughters have received financial assistance of ₹25,000 each for education, while 4 lakh daughters have been married under the Mukhyamantri Samuhik Vivah Yojana. He announced that from April 2025, marriage assistance for daughters would be increased to ₹1 lakh. Additionally, meritorious girls passing their board exams will receive scooties, and working women will be provided residential facilities under the Ahilyabai Holkar scheme.
For farmers, CM Yogi announced an increase in wheat procurement prices by ₹150, raising the price to ₹2,425 per quintal. He also spoke about rural development initiatives, stating that ration shops in villages are being converted into Annapurna Bhawans, where essential goods, electricity bill payments, and warehousing facilities will be available under one roof. Over 2,000 Annapurna Bhawans are currently under construction.
Additionally, village secretariats now offer online services for income, caste, birth, and death certificates, making government services more accessible. He noted Uttar Pradesh’s transformation from a BIMARU state to India’s second-largest economy and projected that India would become the world’s third-largest economy by 2027.
Reflecting on the recently concluded Mahakumbh, CM Yogi highlighted that 66.3 crore devotees participated, demonstrating Uttar Pradesh’s spiritual and cultural strength. He also praised the dedication of officers and employees, whose efforts have enhanced the state’s global reputation.
The CM urged those not yet registered for the Ujjwala Yojana to enroll soon to benefit from the scheme. He also encouraged everyone to celebrate Holi peacefully. The event concluded with the CM interacting with beneficiaries and officials from gas distribution companies, capturing the moment in photographs.
Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak, Finance Minister Suresh Khanna, Cabinet Minister Satish Chandra Sharma, Mayor Sushma Kharkwal, MLC Mukesh Sharma, Ramchandra Pradhan, and officials from all 75 districts, along with representatives from the Food and Civil Supplies Department, attended the event.