UP News: CM Yogi Adityanath Releases ₹1,500 Crore Ujjwala Subsidy for 1.86 Crore Families Ahead of Holi

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath unveiled ₹1,500 crore for Ujjwala LPG cylinder refills, benefitting 1.86 crore UP families. The move supports vulnerable groups and underlines governance focus on the poor, farmers, women, and youth, with broader welfare programmes continuing nationwide.

On the occasion of Holi, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday released ₹1,500 crore towards gas cylinder refill subsidy for 1.86 crore families under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana at Lok Bhavan.

The Chief Minister symbolically handed over subsidy cheques to 10 beneficiary women during the event. Under the scheme, eligible families are being provided one free LPG cylinder refill during major festivals such as Holi and Deepawali.

Addressing the gathering, Yogi Adityanath said that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government is prioritizing welfare schemes for the poor, annadata farmers, women and youth. He stated that more than 10 crore people across the country have received LPG connections under the Ujjwala Yojana, including 1.86 crore families in Uttar Pradesh.

The Chief Minister emphasized that governance policies are centered around four key groups — the poor, farmers, women and youth — cutting across caste, community and faith. He reiterated the principle of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas" as the guiding philosophy of the government.

He noted that even after the Covid pandemic, 80 crore people in the country continue to receive free ration, including 15 crore beneficiaries from Uttar Pradesh, reflecting the government's continued support to vulnerable sections.

Under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, he said, 50 crore people are receiving health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh annually. Citizens above 70 years of age are also eligible for cashless treatment up to ₹5 lakh at empanelled hospitals. Teachers, non-teaching staff, Shiksha Mitras and instructors will also receive similar annual health coverage.

Improved Law and Order Boosting Investment

The Chief Minister said that the state has witnessed a transformation in law and order since 2017. He stated that the atmosphere of curfews and unrest before festivals has ended, and the improved security environment has encouraged investment.

He informed that Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya recently visited Germany to explore investment opportunities. According to him, investors from Germany, Japan, Singapore and other countries are showing interest in Uttar Pradesh due to improved governance and decision-making efficiency. "These investments will not benefit any individual personally, but will generate employment for the youth of Uttar Pradesh," he said.

Employment Opportunities at Home and Abroad

Yogi Adityanath also said the government is working to connect trained youth with overseas employment opportunities under government assurance. He stated that earning higher wages abroad could significantly improve the quality of life for young people and their families.

He added that sustained efforts have helped Uttar Pradesh build a new identity in investment and employment, with a focus on women’s dignity, farmers’ prosperity, youth employment and trader security.

Details of Ujjwala Subsidy

Under the Ujjwala Yojana, the central government is providing nine subsidized cylinders this year, with ₹335 per refill directly transferred to beneficiaries’ bank accounts. The connection is free, and the subsidy amount is credited directly after purchase to ensure transparency.

The state government has decided to provide one free filled cylinder before major festivals to ensure families can celebrate with dignity.

Women Empowerment Initiatives

The Chief Minister highlighted that the "double engine" government is prioritizing women’s safety, dignity and self-reliance. A vaccination drive to prevent cervical cancer among girls up to 14 years of age has been launched across the state. He said the cost of the vaccine has been reduced significantly and efforts are underway to make it free.

Programs such as Lakhpati Didi and SHE Mart are being promoted to strengthen women self-help groups. Under the Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyami Utpad Vipanan Yojana, market access is being provided for products made by women groups, along with quality enhancement and marketing support.

The Mahila Udyami Credit Card Yojana will offer collateral-free and interest-free loans to women entrepreneurs. Milk producer institutions are being set up in Prayagraj and Lucknow to promote dairy-based self-employment among women.

Working women hostels are also being constructed to provide safe accommodation. Through SHE Mart, women self-help groups are being directly linked to markets for better pricing and outreach.

Support for Daughters and Grassroots Workers

The Chief Minister said that schemes such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Matru Vandana, Mukhyamantri Kanya Sumangala Yojana and Mukhyamantri Samuhik Vivah Yojana are supporting girls from birth to marriage, including financial assistance of ₹1 lakh for marriage under the collective marriage scheme.

He also informed that women’s workforce participation in the state has increased from around 13 percent earlier to 36 percent now.

The government has decided to progressively increase honorariums for Anganwadi and ASHA workers. All ration shops are now equipped with e-POS machines, and plans are underway to develop them into model shops with additional income opportunities for shopkeepers.

Women in villages are also being engaged as BC Sakhi and Vidyut Sakhi, creating local employment opportunities. Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak, Lucknow Mayor Sushma Kharkwal, MLCs Avneesh Kumar Singh and Lalji Prasad Nirmal, MLA Dr Neeraj Bora and Jai Devi were among those present at the event.