Holi 2025: CM Yogi Distributes ₹1,890 Crore Subsidy Under Ujjwala Yojana Before Holi

Ahead of Holi, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath distributed a subsidy of ₹1,890 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) for the refill of LPG cylinders. The initiative, benefiting 1.86 crore eligible families, was launched at Lok Bhavan Auditorium in Lucknow. Ministers from all districts of the state participated in the event via video conferencing.

Highlighting the transformation in LPG access, CM Yogi said, “Earlier, people had to pay bribes to get a gas connection. Today, 10 crore families across India have received free LPG connections under the Ujjwala scheme. Additionally, free LPG cylinders are being provided on Holi and Diwali.” He further noted that since Holi and Ramadan coincide this year, all beneficiaries would enjoy the scheme’s benefits.

Ujjwala Yojana’s Impact in Uttar Pradesh

CM Yogi recalled that the Ujjwala Yojana, launched in 2016, has provided free LPG connections to 10 crore families nationwide, with nearly 2 crore beneficiaries in Uttar Pradesh alone. He emphasized that the promise made during the 2021 elections—to provide free LPG cylinders on Holi and Diwali—has been fulfilled every year since 2022 to ensure that families can celebrate festivals without financial stress.

From Bribes to Free Gas Connections

Reflecting on past difficulties, CM Yogi stated that earlier, acquiring a gas connection required paying a bribe of ₹25,000-30,000, and even during festivals, cylinders were often unavailable. He reiterated that the Ujjwala scheme was designed to protect poor mothers from smoke-related health issues and is being implemented without any discrimination.

15 Crore People Receiving Free Ration

The CM also highlighted the success of Uttar Pradesh’s free ration distribution program. “Around 80,000 ration dealers are distributing free food supplies to 15 crore people across the state through 3.6 crore ration cards,” he said. The introduction of e-PoS machines in 2017 has ensured transparency, eliminating black marketing. He also mentioned that for the past five years, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, the government has continued providing free ration to 80 crore people across the country, including 15 crore in Uttar Pradesh.

Schemes for Girls and Farmers

Emphasizing his government's commitment to social welfare, CM Yogi announced various schemes for girls and farmers. “So far, 22 lakh girls have received ₹25,000 each for education, and 4 lakh girls have been married under the Chief Minister’s Mass Wedding Scheme. From April onwards, financial aid for marriages will be increased to ₹1 lakh per girl,” he said. He also promised that meritorious girl students would receive scooters after board exam results, and working women would get residential facilities named after Ahilyabai Holkar.

For farmers, the state government has increased the wheat procurement price by ₹150 per quintal, raising it to ₹2,425 per quintal. With multiple welfare programs in place, CM Yogi assured that the government remains committed to improving the lives of the poor, farmers, and women across the state.