Introduction
On a recent one-day trip to Ayodhya to inaugurate various projects, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made an unplanned visit to the residence of Meera Manjhi, the 100 millionth beneficiary of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY). This spontaneous visit not only highlighted the government's commitment to grassroots initiatives but also showcased the transformative impact of schemes designed to improve the lives of millions.
The Ujjwala Yojana's Origin and Objective
Launched in May 2016, the Ujjwala scheme, abbreviated as PMUY, is a flagship initiative aimed at providing LPG connections to women from below poverty line (BPL) families. With the primary goal of improving health and reducing environmental impact by replacing traditional cooking fuels, the scheme has evolved over the years to become one of India's most successful social welfare programs.
Prime Minister's Surprise Stop at Meera Manjhi's Residence
While on a visit to inaugurate various projects in Ayodhya, Prime Minister Modi made an impromptu stop at Meera Manjhi's residence near Lata Mangeshkar Chowk. The unexpected visit added a personal touch to the Prime Minister's engagement with the beneficiaries of government schemes. As Modi stepped into Manjhi's residence, cheers of "Modi-Modi" resonated in the surroundings, reflecting the public's enthusiasm.
Tea Session and Heartfelt Conversations
During the brief visit, Prime Minister Modi shared a cup of tea prepared by Meera Manjhi, creating a moment of connection and camaraderie. The Prime Minister engaged in a 10-minute conversation with Manjhi, enquiring about her family's well-being and expressing genuine interest in the lives of her neighbors. A viral video captured the warmth of the interaction, showcasing the unscripted and spontaneous nature of the visit. A significant moment during the visit was captured in a viral video, where Prime Minister Modi autographed a painting of the Ram temple. This signed artwork was later handed over to a local boy, symbolizing the government's connection with the cultural and religious sentiments of the region.
Inclusion in Mukhyamantri Arogya Yojana
Later in the day, the office of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath issued an order to include Meera Manjhi in the Mukhyamantri Arogya Yojana. This health insurance program provides eligible candidates with coverage of up to ₹500,000, showcasing the government's holistic approach to the well-being of its citizens.
Manjhi's Gratitude and Surprise
Meera Manjhi, expressing her happiness over hosting the Prime Minister, revealed her delight at the unexpected visit. In an interview with news agency ANI, she stated, "I was not aware that he would visit us. He came to our home. We are feeling very happy. We were not aware that God would arrive in such a way." Her expression reflects the profound impact of the surprise visit on the beneficiary and the community.
Prime Minister's Reflection on Twitter
Prime Minister Modi took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his thoughts in Hindi,
"Held a ‘chaai pe charchaa’ at the house of sister Meera ji, the 10th-crore beneficiary of Ujjwala Yojana, along with her family members in Ayodhya. I felt very satisfied to know how government schemes have made the life of the entire family easier."
This tweet emphasized the government's commitment to improving the lives of citizens through well-executed schemes.
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana's Historical Context
The PMUY was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 1, 2016, with the initial goal of providing 50 million LPG connections to women belonging to Below Poverty Line (BPL) families. The scheme received an allocation of ₹80 billion (US$1.0 billion) for its implementation, showcasing the government's financial commitment to addressing energy poverty.
Successive Phases and Expansions
The success of the Ujjwala scheme became evident in its inaugural year when it exceeded expectations by distributing 22 million connections, surpassing the 15 million target. By October 23, 2017, the distribution reached 30 million connections, benefiting 44% of families from scheduled castes and scheduled tribes. This positive trend continued, reaching 58 million by December 2018.
In the 2018 Union Budget, the program's scope expanded to cover 80 million impoverished households. Oil marketing companies (OMCs) played a crucial role in organizing 21,000 awareness camps, contributing to a 56% increase in LPG consumption in 2019 compared to 2014.
Regional Impact and Positive Statistics
The Ujjwala scheme has left an indelible mark on various states, positively impacting over 14.6 million BPL families in Uttar Pradesh, 8.8 million in West Bengal, 8.5 million in Bihar, 7.1 million in Madhya Pradesh, 6.3 million in Rajasthan, and 3.24 million in Tamil Nadu. The success of the program is further highlighted by the distribution of fuel cylinders to the 8th crore beneficiary on September 7, 2019.
Ujjwala Scheme 2.0 and Continuous Evolution
The Ujjwala Scheme 2.0, launched in 2021, superseded the original initiative, targeting an additional 1 crore families excluded from the initial scheme. The continuous evolution of the program reflects the government's commitment to adapting and expanding its efforts to reach more beneficiaries.
Technological Intervention and Prime Minister's Recognition
During the 107th Indian Science Congress in January 2020, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the role of technology in identifying the 80 million women still using coal or wood for cooking. Technology facilitated the determination of the need for new distribution centers, showcasing the government's commitment to leveraging innovation for social welfare. National Family Health Surveys indicate a substantial enhancement in access to cleaner cooking fuels due to PMUY, with yearly growth accelerating around 2015. The increase was nearly sevenfold, rising from 0.8% in rural areas before 2015 to 5.6% after.
India's gas cylinder penetration improved from 62% in May 2016 to 99.8% on April 1, 2021. In a notable development, Rajasthan CM Bhajan Lal Sharma announced a subsidized rate of Rs 450 for the cylinder in Rajasthan under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, further making clean cooking accessible to more households.
Revamping Framework for Enhanced Reach
Enhancing the reach of the Ujjwala scheme involved refurbishing its framework to make it more accessible to the final recipients. The government's efforts to revamp the structures not only led to increased direct and indirect employment opportunities but also ensured a more efficient and widespread implementation of the initiative.
Conclusion
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's unexpected visit to the home of Meera Manjhi, the 100 millionth beneficiary of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, serves as a testament to the government's commitment to inclusive and transformative initiatives. The Ujjwala scheme, with its historical journey, regional impact, and continuous evolution, exemplifies the positive change brought about by well-designed welfare programs. As the government continues its mission to uplift the lives of millions, stories like Meera Manjhi's underscore the tangible benefits of schemes aimed at empowering citizens and ensuring a cleaner, healthier, and more prosperous future for the nation.
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