CM Yogi distributes LPG subsidy to 1.89 cr Ujjwala beneficiaries, targets Congress over corruption
Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday distributed LPG cylinder refill subsidies to more than 1.89 crore eligible families under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, transferring benefits worth around ₹1,500 crore ahead of Diwali. Addressing a program at Lok Bhavan in Lucknow, the Chief Minister said the subsidy would help poor families celebrate the festival with greater ease while benefiting from the government’s welfare initiatives.
During the event, CM Yogi handed over symbolic cheques to beneficiaries and highlighted the achievements of the Narendra Modi-led government over the past decade. He alleged that before 2014, corruption, bribery and scams had become synonymous with governance, forcing citizens to pay bribes even for basic services such as LPG connections. Referring to the UPA era, he mentioned scams such as the 2G spectrum scam, coal scam and Commonwealth Games scam, saying the situation changed after Narendra Modi became Prime Minister in 2014.
The Chief Minister said Prime Minister Modi launched the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana in 2016 with the objective of freeing women from the health hazards of cooking with firewood. He said millions of poor households have since received free LPG connections, improving the health and quality of life of women and families across the country.
Explaining the subsidy mechanism, Yogi Adityanath said the current cost of an LPG refill is ₹938.45, out of which the Central Government provides a subsidy of ₹333. After this, beneficiaries are required to pay ₹648.55. He stated that the Uttar Pradesh government has borne this remaining amount for eligible beneficiaries on the occasion of Diwali, ensuring they can obtain refilled cylinders without financial burden. He added that the savings would enable families to spend more on festival necessities, including sweets and lamps.
Highlighting the welfare measures undertaken by the double-engine government, the Chief Minister said that before 2014 farmers faced severe hardships, including lack of timely fertilizers, inadequate electricity supply, poor prices for produce and mounting debt. He said governments at both the Centre and the state have introduced several schemes, including the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi, to strengthen the agricultural sector. He also announced compensation and special assistance packages for farmers affected by recent hailstorms, heavy rains and other natural calamities.
Yogi Adityanath further claimed that welfare-oriented governance and transparency have played a major role in reducing poverty. Referring to a recent World Bank report, he said millions of people have come out of poverty during the past decade, describing it as a major achievement of the BJP-led governments.
The Chief Minister also spoke about improvements in law and order in Uttar Pradesh since 2017. He alleged that riots and disturbances were common before his government came to power, whereas today women feel safer and are participating in the workforce, including night shifts. He said the government is focused on women’s empowerment through various self-reliance and welfare schemes.
Listing other initiatives of the state government, Yogi said free ration is being provided to eligible families and commissions for ration dealers have been increased. He added that honorariums of Anganwadi workers, cooks, home guards and village watchmen have been enhanced. The government is also constructing Annapurna Bhawans in villages, expanding Atal Residential Schools and establishing Annapurna canteens to provide affordable meals to workers and labourers.
Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak and Food and Civil Supplies Minister Satish Chandra Sharma (as per event participation details provided) also addressed the gathering and highlighted the government’s welfare achievements. Several public representatives, senior officials and a large number of beneficiaries attended the programme.
